CVE-2019-4153 in Security Access Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Access Manager 9.0.1 through 9.0.6 could allow a remote attacker to conduct phishing attacks, using an open redirect attack. By persuading a victim to visit a specially-crafted Web site, a remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to spoof the URL displayed to redirect a user to a malicious Web site that would appear to be trusted. This could allow the attacker to obtain highly sensitive information or conduct further attacks against the victim. IBM X-Force ID: 158517.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-4153 affects IBM Security Access Manager versions 9.0.1 through 9.0.6, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute open redirect attacks. This vulnerability operates by exploiting the application's handling of URL redirection mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate user navigation through carefully crafted web links. The flaw specifically impacts the authentication and access control systems that IBM Security Access Manager provides, potentially compromising the trust relationship between users and legitimate web services.
This security weakness stems from inadequate validation of redirect URLs within the IBM Security Access Manager application, allowing attackers to construct malicious redirect links that appear to originate from trusted domains. The technical implementation flaw enables attackers to craft URLs that contain malicious redirect parameters, which when clicked by victims, will redirect users to attacker-controlled websites while maintaining the appearance of legitimate navigation. This open redirect vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-601, which specifically addresses URL redirect vulnerabilities where applications redirect users to untrusted sites without proper validation. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing campaigns, social engineering, or by embedding malicious links in compromised websites.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-4153 is severe and multifaceted, as it enables sophisticated phishing attacks that can bypass user security awareness and traditional security controls. When users are redirected to malicious sites that appear legitimate due to the spoofed URLs, they may unknowingly provide sensitive information such as credentials, personal data, or financial details. This vulnerability can be leveraged for credential theft, data exfiltration, and as a stepping stone for more complex attack chains including malware delivery or lateral movement within compromised networks. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it targets the fundamental trust mechanisms of web-based authentication systems, potentially allowing attackers to compromise user sessions and gain unauthorized access to protected resources. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566, which covers social engineering techniques including phishing, and T1071, which addresses application layer protocols.
Organizations utilizing IBM Security Access Manager versions 9.0.1 through 9.0.6 should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates, implementing strict URL validation controls, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of their web applications. Network administrators should deploy web application firewalls with enhanced URL filtering capabilities and implement monitoring solutions to detect suspicious redirect patterns. Additionally, user education programs should be enhanced to raise awareness about phishing techniques and the importance of verifying URL authenticity before proceeding with any authentication processes. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and the need for robust security controls in identity and access management systems. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security layers such as browser security extensions, enhanced logging mechanisms, and regular security audits to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. The incident underscores the necessity of maintaining current security patches and following security best practices recommended by industry standards such as NIST and ISO 27001 for effective vulnerability management and risk mitigation.