CVE-2018-2024 in QRadar SIEM
Summary
by MITRE
IBM QRadar SIEM 7.2 and 7.3 specifies permissions for a security-critical resource in a way that allows that resource to be read or modified by unintended actors. IBM X-Force ID: 155350.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2024 affects IBM QRadar SIEM versions 7.2 and 7.3, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of enterprise security operations. This issue manifests through improper permission configuration for security-critical resources within the SIEM platform, creating a significant risk vector that allows unauthorized actors to gain access to sensitive data and system functions. The vulnerability specifically targets the resource access control mechanisms that should enforce strict security boundaries between different user roles and system components.
The technical flaw stems from how IBM QRadar SIEM handles permission specifications for critical system resources, where the platform fails to properly enforce access controls that should restrict resource access based on user roles and security contexts. This misconfiguration allows actors who should not have access to certain security-critical components to read or modify these resources, effectively bypassing the intended security controls. The vulnerability operates at the application level and affects the core functionality of the SIEM platform, where proper access control mechanisms should prevent unauthorized modifications or data exposure. This weakness represents a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege that is essential for security-critical systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate security events, alter log data, or access sensitive configuration information that could be leveraged for further compromise. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially modify security policies, delete audit trails, or gain access to confidential security intelligence that would normally be restricted to authorized administrators. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where QRadar SIEM serves as the central security operations hub, as this vulnerability could enable attackers to remain undetected while compromising the integrity of the entire security monitoring infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and represents a direct violation of security best practices outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches, reviewing and strengthening access control policies, and conducting comprehensive security audits of the QRadar SIEM environment. The remediation process should involve verifying that all security-critical resources have appropriate access controls configured and that user permissions align with their operational requirements. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability relates to privilege escalation and persistence tactics that threat actors might use to maintain access to security monitoring systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper access control implementation and demonstrates how even minor configuration issues can create significant security risks in enterprise security platforms. Organizations should also consider implementing additional layers of security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all security-critical resources maintain appropriate protection levels throughout the system.