CVE-2019-4133 in Cloud Automation Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Cloud Automation Manager 3.1.2 could allow a malicious user on the client side (with access to client computer) to run a custom script. IBM X-Force ID: 158278.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2023
IBM Cloud Automation Manager version 3.1.2 contains a client-side vulnerability that enables malicious users with access to client computers to execute arbitrary scripts on affected systems. This security flaw represents a significant risk to organizations relying on the platform for automated cloud operations and infrastructure management. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of user-supplied data within the client-side components of the automation manager. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious scripts that leverage the platform's client-side processing capabilities, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system resources or executing harmful code within the client environment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common client-side attack patterns where user-controllable inputs are not properly sanitized before being processed by the application. This allows for script injection attacks that can bypass traditional security controls. The flaw specifically affects the client-side execution environment of IBM Cloud Automation Manager, where legitimate user scripts are processed and executed. The vulnerability enables privilege escalation scenarios where a malicious actor with local access to a client system can leverage the platform's automation capabilities to run unauthorized code. This represents a critical security gap that undermines the integrity of the entire automation framework and exposes organizations to potential data breaches or system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution capabilities. Organizations utilizing IBM Cloud Automation Manager may face significant security risks including unauthorized access to cloud resources, potential data exfiltration, and disruption of automated workflows. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability requires only local access to a client computer, meaning that insider threats or compromised endpoints can quickly escalate to broader system compromise. This vulnerability directly impacts the security posture of cloud automation environments and can lead to cascading effects throughout automated infrastructure management processes, potentially affecting multiple systems within an organization's cloud ecosystem.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting client-side script execution permissions, implementing robust input validation controls, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of client environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of securing client-side components in enterprise automation platforms and highlights the need for proper sandboxing mechanisms. Security controls should focus on limiting script execution privileges and monitoring for anomalous client-side activities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation to isolate client environments from critical infrastructure components. This vulnerability underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of automation platforms. The flaw also emphasizes the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper access controls for client-side operations within cloud automation environments.
This vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-94 which addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript". The attack vector represents a client-side code execution flaw that can be exploited through local system compromise, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where automation platforms are extensively deployed. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes and implement comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of securing all components within distributed automation systems, not just server-side applications. Proper security hardening of client environments and regular security awareness training for users can help mitigate the risk associated with this type of client-side vulnerability in cloud automation platforms.