CVE-2018-1917 in InfoSphere Information Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.3, 11.5, and 11.7 could allow an authenticated user to access JSP files and disclose sensitive information. IBM X-Force ID: 152784.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2023
IBM InfoSphere Information Server versions 11.3, 11.5, and 11.7 contain a directory traversal vulnerability that allows authenticated users to access restricted JSP files through improper input validation. This flaw resides in the web application's file access controls and stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input parameters that are used to construct file paths. The vulnerability enables attackers who have valid credentials to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the application's directory structure. This issue represents a classic path traversal vulnerability categorized under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly validate and sanitize input parameters that are used to reference JSP files, allowing attackers to manipulate file path parameters to access files outside the intended directory structure. Security researchers have identified that the flaw exists in the application's web interface where user requests are processed without adequate validation, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the weakness and obtain unauthorized access to sensitive system information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it provides attackers with access to potentially sensitive data that could include configuration files, application source code, or other system artifacts. IBM InfoSphere Information Server is commonly used for data integration and governance tasks, making the disclosed information potentially valuable for further attacks targeting the broader enterprise environment. The vulnerability affects authenticated users, meaning that an attacker must first obtain valid credentials to exploit the flaw, but this requirement does not significantly mitigate the risk given that credential compromise can occur through various attack vectors such as phishing, password spraying, or exploitation of other vulnerabilities. The disclosed sensitive information could include database connection strings, API keys, or other credentials that could be leveraged for additional attacks within the network. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers may use the information disclosure to identify additional attack vectors or to craft more sophisticated social engineering campaigns. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that InfoSphere Information Server is often deployed in enterprise environments where it handles critical business data and processes.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates that address the directory traversal issue. System administrators should also consider implementing additional access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive files. The remediation process involves validating all user input parameters and ensuring that the application properly sanitizes and validates file path references before processing user requests. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potential path traversal vulnerabilities within the application or related systems. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in web applications, as highlighted by the CWE-22 standard which emphasizes the need for applications to properly limit file access to prevent directory traversal attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regularly review access permissions to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive system components. The IBM X-Force ID 152784 indicates that this vulnerability was recognized by the security community and should be prioritized for immediate remediation. Regular security testing including penetration testing and code reviews should be conducted to identify and address similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the enterprise environment.