CVE-2019-4069 in Intelligent Operations Center
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Intelligent Operations Center (IOC) 5.1.0 through 5.2.0 does not properly validate file types, allowing an attacker to upload malicious content. IBM X-Force ID: 157014.
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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 critical file validation vulnerability that permits unauthorized file uploads, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this platform for operational monitoring and management. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-434 category, which specifically addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type," representing a fundamental flaw in input validation mechanisms that allows malicious actors to bypass security controls designed to prevent dangerous file types from being uploaded to the system.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's failure to properly validate file types during the upload process, enabling attackers to submit files with potentially harmful extensions or content that could execute arbitrary code on the target system. This weakness creates a pathway for attackers to exploit the system through various attack vectors including but not limited to web shell uploads, script injection, or other malicious file delivery mechanisms. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where file handling logic fails to implement proper content type checking, file extension validation, or file signature verification.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the network infrastructure. Organizations using IBM IOC within their operational technology environments face risks including data exfiltration, system compromise, and disruption of critical operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial control systems where IOC may serve as a central monitoring platform, as successful exploitation could lead to operational technology disruptions that affect physical processes and safety systems. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059 which addresses "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as attackers could leverage the uploaded malicious files to establish persistent access or execute commands on the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of proper file type validation controls, including MIME type checking, file extension filtering, and content-based file signature verification. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to IOC systems, deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter file upload traffic, and establish robust monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized file uploads. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems. The recommended remediation involves upgrading to IBM Intelligent Operations Center versions that have addressed this specific vulnerability, while also implementing comprehensive file upload validation mechanisms that follow security best practices and industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.