CVE-2019-4161 in Security Information Queue
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Information Queue (ISIQ) 1.0.0, 1.0.1, and 1.0.2 discloses sensitive information to unauthorized users. The information can be used to mount further attacks on the system. IBM X-Force ID: 158660.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2023
The IBM Security Information Queue 1.0.0 through 1.0.2 versions contain a critical information disclosure vulnerability that exposes sensitive data to unauthorized users. This vulnerability represents a significant security weakness in IBM's information queueing system designed for security information management. The flaw allows attackers to access confidential information that could be leveraged to conduct more sophisticated attacks against the affected system and potentially surrounding network infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically affects the information queueing component that processes and manages security-related data within IBM's security ecosystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls and insufficient data protection mechanisms within the ISIQ component. The system fails to properly validate user permissions when accessing sensitive information, allowing unauthorized parties to retrieve data that should be restricted to authorized personnel only. This weakness creates an information exposure scenario where attackers can obtain credentials, configuration details, security policies, or other sensitive operational data that would normally be protected by proper authorization controls. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and could potentially be exploited through network-based attacks without requiring elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed data can serve as a foundation for more advanced attack vectors. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain intelligence about system configurations, security controls, and operational procedures that would otherwise remain hidden. This intelligence can be used to plan targeted attacks against other system components, escalate privileges, or conduct reconnaissance for broader network infiltration. The vulnerability's presence in multiple versions suggests a systemic flaw in the implementation that requires comprehensive remediation across affected deployments. Organizations using these specific ISIQ versions face increased risk of compromise and potential data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch deployment to address the information disclosure flaw in affected IBM Security Information Queue versions. Organizations must ensure that all instances of ISIQ 1.0.0 through 1.0.2 are upgraded to patched versions that implement proper access controls and data protection mechanisms. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to limit access to ISIQ components to only authorized personnel and systems. Additional monitoring should be deployed to detect unusual access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and represents a potential pathway for attackers to follow ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and reconnaissance. Regular security assessments should be conducted to verify that access controls are properly enforced and that no unauthorized access has occurred.