CVE-2019-4132 in Cloud Automation Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Cloud Automation Manager 3.1.2 could allow a user to be impropertly redirected and obtain sensitive information rather than receive a 404 error message. IBM X-Force ID: 158274.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2023
IBM Cloud Automation Manager version 3.1.2 contains a vulnerability that allows improper redirection when handling specific requests, potentially enabling unauthorized information disclosure. This flaw manifests when the system fails to properly validate and sanitize user input during redirection processes, leading to unexpected behavior that could expose sensitive data. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's handling of redirect parameters that should typically result in a standard 404 error response when invalid or unauthorized access attempts are detected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's redirect mechanisms. When a user submits a request containing malformed or malicious redirect parameters, the system does not properly filter these inputs before processing them. This allows an attacker to manipulate the redirect flow and potentially obtain information that should be restricted. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through web-based interfaces where redirect functionality is utilized. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-601 as it involves URL redirection to untrusted domains without proper validation, and CWE-200 for information exposure through improper error handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information or redirect users to malicious sites. An attacker could exploit this weakness to bypass normal access controls, potentially leading to privilege escalation or data compromise. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations using IBM Cloud Automation Manager 3.1.2 who may be exposed to unauthorized information access through manipulated redirect parameters. This issue creates a pathway for attackers to probe system configurations, user credentials, or other sensitive data that should remain protected.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all redirect parameters, proper error handling to ensure consistent 404 responses for invalid requests, and comprehensive testing of redirect functionality. System administrators should review and update the application's configuration to prevent unauthorized redirection paths and ensure that all redirect operations validate destination URLs against a trusted whitelist. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious redirect patterns can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol tunneling and T1566 for credential access through social engineering via manipulated web redirects. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in related components and ensure comprehensive protection against information disclosure threats.