CVE-2019-4068 in Intelligent Operations Center
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Intelligent Operations Center (IOC) 5.1.0 through 5.2.0 is vulnerable to user enumeration, allowing an attacker to brute force into the system. IBM X-Force ID: 157013.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2023
IBM Intelligent Operations Center version 5.1.0 through 5.2.0 contains a user enumeration vulnerability that enables attackers to systematically identify valid user accounts through brute force techniques. This weakness stems from insufficient input validation and improper error handling mechanisms within the authentication framework, allowing unauthorized users to distinguish between valid and invalid usernames through differential response times or error messages. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through improper error handling, and represents a significant security gap that undermines the system's access control mechanisms. The flaw specifically affects the authentication service component where user credentials are processed, creating a pathway for credential stuffing attacks and account takeover attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with a systematic method to map valid user accounts within the system. Attackers can leverage this weakness to conduct targeted brute force campaigns, significantly reducing the time and effort required to compromise legitimate accounts. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where IOC serves as a central management platform for operational data, potentially exposing sensitive operational information and critical infrastructure monitoring capabilities. Organizations using this software may face unauthorized access to real-time operational dashboards, configuration data, and integration points that could compromise overall security posture.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, including account lockout mechanisms, rate limiting for authentication attempts, and enhanced monitoring of suspicious login patterns. The implementation of multi-factor authentication becomes critical when addressing such weaknesses, as it provides additional protection layers beyond username and password credentials. Organizations should also consider network segmentation to limit access to IOC systems and implement strict access controls based on principle of least privilege. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1078 Valid Accounts and T1110 Brute Force techniques, highlighting the need for robust account management and monitoring practices. The recommended remediation includes applying the vendor-provided security patches and updating the system to versions that address the user enumeration flaw, while simultaneously reviewing and strengthening overall authentication security policies to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the operational technology infrastructure.