CVE-2019-4225 in PureApplication System
Summary
by MITRE
IBM PureApplication System 2.2.3.0 through 2.2.5.3 stores potentially sensitive information in log files that could be read by a local user. IBM X-Force ID: 159242.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-4225 affects IBM PureApplication System versions 2.2.3.0 through 2.2.5.3, representing a critical information exposure flaw that undermines the system's security posture. This vulnerability stems from the improper handling of sensitive data within the system's logging mechanisms, creating an avenue for unauthorized local access to potentially confidential information. The issue resides in the application's design where sensitive data elements are inadvertently persisted in log files without adequate protection measures, making them accessible to any local user with file system privileges. Such exposure represents a fundamental breach in the principle of least privilege and data confidentiality, as the system fails to implement proper access controls or data sanitization for log entries containing sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the logging subsystem where various data elements including but not limited to authentication tokens, session identifiers, user credentials, or system configuration details may be written to log files without proper encryption or access restrictions. When local users gain access to these log files through standard file system operations, they can extract sensitive information that could be leveraged for further attacks. This flaw aligns with CWE-532, which describes the insertion of sensitive information into log files, and represents a classic case of insecure logging practices that violate fundamental security principles. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no elevated privileges to exploit, making it accessible to any user with local system access, thus expanding the potential attack surface significantly.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the sensitive data exposed through log files could enable attackers to perform privilege escalation, conduct unauthorized access attempts, or carry out identity theft operations. Local users who can read these log files may obtain session tokens that allow them to impersonate legitimate users, access restricted system resources, or extract configuration details that could aid in planning more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to identify system weaknesses, gather intelligence about the environment, and potentially establish persistent access through the information obtained. This represents a significant concern for compliance requirements such as pci dss and hipaa, where unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data can result in regulatory violations and financial penalties.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-4225 should focus on implementing comprehensive log file access controls and data sanitization procedures. Organizations must ensure that log files containing sensitive information are properly secured through file system permissions, encryption, or access control lists that restrict read access to authorized personnel only. The system should be configured to sanitize or redact sensitive information before writing to log files, implementing data masking techniques or removing sensitive fields entirely from log entries. Additionally, regular log file audits should be conducted to identify and remediate any instances where sensitive data might still be present in accessible log files. The remediation process should include updating to the latest available version of IBM PureApplication System where the vulnerability has been addressed, implementing proper logging practices that align with security frameworks such as those recommended by nist or iso 27001, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts to log files. Organizations should also consider implementing centralized logging solutions with proper access controls to ensure that sensitive information is not stored in easily accessible local files, thereby reducing the attack surface and aligning with the defensive techniques outlined in the mitre att&ck framework for credential access and privilege escalation.