CVE-2019-4035 in Content Navigator
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Content Navigator 3.0CD could allow attackers to direct web traffic to a malicious site. If attackers make a fake IBM Content Navigator site, they can send a link to ICN users to send request to their Edit client directly. Then Edit client will download documents from the fake ICN website. IBM X-Force ID: 156001.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2023
IBM Content Navigator version 3.0CD contains a significant web application vulnerability that enables man-in-the-middle attacks through malicious redirection. This flaw stems from inadequate validation of web traffic routing mechanisms within the application's architecture, allowing attackers to manipulate the navigation flow and redirect users to compromised sites. The vulnerability specifically affects the Edit client component which establishes direct connections to the content navigator infrastructure, creating a critical attack surface where malicious actors can intercept and manipulate document retrieval processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of web request handling within the IBM Content Navigator environment. When users click on malicious links, the application's navigation system fails to properly validate the destination endpoints, enabling attackers to craft deceptive URLs that appear legitimate but direct traffic to attacker-controlled servers. This manipulation occurs at the application layer where the Edit client component performs document downloads, creating a pathway for credential theft, data exfiltration, and potential malware deployment. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200 as improper information exposure and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 for spearphishing with a malicious attachment or link.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple redirection attacks, creating a comprehensive threat vector that can compromise entire document management systems. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent access points within organizations that rely on IBM Content Navigator for content management, potentially gaining access to sensitive business documents and intellectual property. The Edit client's direct connection behavior amplifies the risk as it bypasses standard browser security measures and can download documents without proper authentication verification, creating opportunities for unauthorized data access and system compromise. Organizations using this version of IBM Content Navigator face significant risk of targeted attacks and potential data breaches.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate implementation of security patches provided by IBM, as the vendor has addressed this vulnerability through updated software releases. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and DNS filtering can provide additional defense layers to prevent redirection attacks. Organizations should also implement strict access controls and monitor network traffic for suspicious redirection patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in enterprise content management systems where authentication and authorization mechanisms must be robust against manipulation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other enterprise applications and ensure comprehensive protection against man-in-the-middle attacks.