CVE-2019-4071 in Tivoli Storage Productivity Center
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Storage Productivity Center (IBM Spectrum Control Standard Edition 5.2.1 through 5.2.17) could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the system, caused by improper validation of csv file contents. IBM X-Force ID: 157063.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-4071 affects IBM Tivoli Storage Productivity Center, specifically the IBM Spectrum Control Standard Edition versions 5.2.1 through 5.2.17. This critical security flaw resides in the system's handling of comma-separated values file inputs, creating a remote code execution vector that could be exploited by malicious actors without authentication. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or verify the contents of csv files processed by the application. This represents a significant weakness in the application's security architecture, as it allows untrusted data to be interpreted and executed within the system's operational context. The flaw operates at the input validation layer, where csv files containing malicious payloads can be uploaded or processed, leading to arbitrary command execution on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insecure input handling that aligns with CWE-20, which specifically addresses improper input validation. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious csv files that contain shell commands or executable code within their content. When the application processes these files, the improper validation allows the embedded commands to be interpreted and executed with the privileges of the affected application. This vulnerability operates under the attack pattern category of command injection as defined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically falling under technique T1059.001 for command and script injection. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local credentials, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments where the application is exposed to external traffic.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-4071 extends beyond simple unauthorized code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain full control over the affected IBM Spectrum Control Standard Edition server, potentially accessing sensitive storage management data, modifying storage configurations, or using the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The scope of damage is amplified because storage management systems often contain critical infrastructure data and may have elevated privileges within the enterprise environment. Organizations using affected versions of IBM Tivoli Storage Productivity Center face significant risk of unauthorized access to their storage infrastructure, potentially leading to service disruption, data loss, or regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's presence in multiple versions within the 5.2.1 through 5.2.17 range indicates that the flaw was persistent and required multiple patches to address the root cause.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches for IBM Spectrum Control Standard Edition, which address the csv input validation issues. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of the affected system to untrusted networks. Additionally, implementing input validation controls at multiple layers of the application architecture can provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential input validation weaknesses within the storage management infrastructure. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched versions to ensure that the fix does not introduce regressions in system functionality while maintaining the security improvements. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect suspicious csv file processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation in security-critical applications, particularly those handling data from external sources.