CVE-2018-1969 in Security Identity Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Identity Manager 6.0.0 allows the attacker to upload or transfer files of dangerous types that can be automatically processed within the product's environment. IBM X-Force ID: 153750.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1969 affects IBM Security Identity Manager version 6.0.0, representing a critical file upload and execution flaw that enables remote attackers to compromise the affected system. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure file handling and arbitrary code execution, with potential implications for the broader security posture of identity management systems that rely on this product. The flaw specifically relates to the product's inability to properly validate file types during upload operations, allowing malicious actors to introduce dangerous file formats that can be automatically processed within the application environment. This issue creates a significant attack surface that could be exploited to gain unauthorized access to sensitive identity management resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the file upload functionality of IBM Security Identity Manager. Attackers can leverage this weakness to upload malicious files such as scripts, executables, or other dangerous content that the system processes automatically without proper security checks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core of identity management operations where sensitive authentication and authorization data resides. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in input validation where the system fails to properly validate file types and content, creating a pathway for malicious file execution. The automatic processing of uploaded files without adequate security controls aligns with ATT&CK technique T1195.001 which involves uploading malicious files to establish persistence or execute commands within target environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file execution, potentially enabling attackers to compromise the entire identity management infrastructure. Successful exploitation could allow threat actors to escalate privileges, access sensitive user credentials, manipulate authentication processes, or establish persistent backdoors within the security environment. Organizations relying on IBM Security Identity Manager for critical identity services face significant risk of credential theft, unauthorized access to protected resources, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous as it could be leveraged by attackers with varying skill levels. The automatic processing of uploaded files creates an environment where malicious code can execute without user interaction, significantly amplifying the potential damage and reducing the time available for detection and response.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates, implementing strict file type validation, and configuring upload restrictions to prevent dangerous file extensions from being processed. Network segmentation and monitoring of file upload activities can help detect suspicious behavior and limit the impact of potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing additional controls such as mandatory file content scanning, restricted upload permissions, and regular security assessments of the identity management environment. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in security-critical applications, particularly those handling sensitive identity data. Organizations should review their overall security posture and consider implementing zero-trust principles for identity management systems to minimize the impact of similar vulnerabilities in the future. The incident underscores the necessity for continuous vulnerability assessment and timely patch management to protect critical identity infrastructure from exploitation by malicious actors.