CVE-2019-4093 in Tivoli Storage Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Storage Manager (IBM Spectrum Protect 8.1.7) could allow a user to restore files and directories using IBM Spectrum Prootect Client Web User Interface on Windows that they should not have access to due to incorrect file permissions. IBM X-Force ID: 157981.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2023
IBM Tivoli Storage Manager version 8.1.7 contains a critical access control vulnerability that allows unauthorized users to restore files and directories through the Web User Interface on Windows systems. This vulnerability stems from improper file permission validation within the restore functionality of the IBM Spectrum Protect Client, specifically affecting the web-based interface implementation. The flaw enables users to bypass legitimate access controls and retrieve data they should not be authorized to access, creating a significant security risk in environments where data classification and access control are paramount.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the web interface component of the IBM Spectrum Protect Client, where insufficient validation occurs during the restore process. When users attempt to restore files through the web UI, the system fails to properly verify whether the requesting user possesses adequate permissions for the target files or directories. This misconfiguration allows privilege escalation through unauthorized file restoration, effectively circumventing the established access control mechanisms that should restrict data access based on user roles and permissions. The vulnerability specifically impacts Windows implementations of the client software, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments that rely heavily on Windows-based infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized data access, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the security model of the storage management system. Organizations utilizing IBM Tivoli Storage Manager may experience unauthorized data exposure, potential data leakage, and violation of data integrity policies. The vulnerability can be exploited by both internal users with limited access privileges and external attackers who gain access to the web interface, potentially leading to information disclosure and compliance violations. This flaw directly undermines the principle of least privilege and can result in significant business disruption, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage for affected organizations.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the official IBM security patches and updates released for this vulnerability, which address the permission validation issues within the web interface restore functionality. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit exposure of the web interface to trusted users only, while implementing additional monitoring and logging of restore activities to detect unauthorized access attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of file permissions and access controls within their IBM Tivoli Storage Manager environments, ensuring that proper access control mechanisms are in place and functioning correctly. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, and represents a potential ATT&CK technique under privilege escalation and defense evasion categories, making it a critical concern for enterprise security operations and compliance frameworks.