CVE-2019-4135 in Security Access Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Access Manager 9.0.1 through 9.0.6 is affected by a security vulnerability that could allow authenticated users to impersonate other users. IBM X-Force ID: 158331.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2023
IBM Security Access Manager version 9.0.1 through 9.0.6 contains a critical authorization flaw that enables authenticated users to escalate their privileges and impersonate other users within the system. This vulnerability represents a significant breach in the authentication and authorization mechanisms that are fundamental to access control systems. The flaw exists in the way the system handles user session management and identity verification processes, allowing malicious actors with legitimate credentials to manipulate the authentication flow and gain unauthorized access to resources belonging to other users. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of privilege escalation and identity impersonation, which are particularly dangerous in security infrastructure components where access control is paramount.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of user identities during session transitions and role assignments within the IBM Security Access Manager framework. Attackers can exploit this weakness by leveraging their existing authenticated sessions to manipulate system parameters that should normally be restricted to administrators or privileged users. The vulnerability creates a path for authenticated users to bypass normal access controls and assume the identities of other users within the same system, effectively breaking the principle of least privilege that is essential for secure system operations. This flaw is particularly concerning because it operates at the core of identity management and access control functionality, making it a high-value target for attackers seeking persistent access to sensitive systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to comprehensive data breaches and system compromise within organizations using affected IBM Security Access Manager versions. When exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to access confidential information, modify user permissions, and potentially escalate their access to administrative functions. The implications are severe for organizations that rely on this security infrastructure to protect their digital assets and maintain regulatory compliance. The vulnerability's exploitation could result in unauthorized data access, modification of access controls, and potential lateral movement within networks where the system serves as a central authentication point. Organizations may face significant regulatory and compliance consequences if such a vulnerability is exploited, particularly in environments governed by standards such as iso 27001, pci dss, or hipaa.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of IBM security patches and updates released specifically to address this flaw. Organizations must also implement enhanced monitoring of authentication events and session management activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. The recommended approach involves configuring additional access controls and implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms to reduce the impact of credential compromise. Security teams should conduct comprehensive assessments of their access management systems and review existing user permissions to ensure that no unauthorized access has occurred. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting, highlighting the need for layered defensive measures. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and privilege management controls to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.