CVE-2019-4262 in QRadar SIEM
Summary
by MITRE
IBM QRadar SIEM 7.2 and 7.3 is vulnerable to Server Side Request Forgery (SSRF). This may allow an unauthenticated attacker to send unauthorized requests from the QRadar system, potentially leading to network enumeration or facilitating other attacks. IBM X-Force ID: 160014.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2023
IBM QRadar SIEM versions 7.2 and 7.3 contain a critical server side request forgery vulnerability that exposes the system to unauthorized external communications. This flaw resides in the application's handling of HTTP requests where user input is not properly validated or sanitized before being used to construct outbound network connections. The vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to craft malicious requests that can cause the QRadar system to make unintended network calls to arbitrary destinations, effectively bypassing the system's intended security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the QRadar web interface components that process user-supplied data. When the system receives requests containing specific parameters or headers, it fails to properly validate the destination URLs or endpoints before initiating outbound connections. This creates an environment where attackers can manipulate the application's behavior to communicate with internal or external systems that should normally be inaccessible. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through various vectors including web forms, API endpoints, or direct HTTP request manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network enumeration as it provides attackers with a powerful reconnaissance and exploitation capability. An attacker can leverage the SSRF vulnerability to map internal network topology, discover internal services, and potentially access sensitive systems that are normally protected by network segmentation. The vulnerability can facilitate more sophisticated attacks including credential harvesting, internal service exploitation, or even lateral movement within the network. The ability to send unauthorized requests from the QRadar system creates a persistent threat vector that can be used for extended reconnaissance campaigns and privilege escalation attempts.
Organizations utilizing affected QRadar versions face significant security risks as this vulnerability can be exploited without authentication, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network access controls are not properly implemented. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-918, which specifically addresses server-side request forgery in web applications, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. IBM has released patches and fixes for this vulnerability, and organizations should immediately apply the recommended updates to mitigate the risk. Additional mitigations include implementing network segmentation, deploying web application firewalls, and monitoring for suspicious outbound network connections that may indicate exploitation attempts.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and highlights the risks associated with improper handling of user-supplied data in security monitoring platforms. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in their IT infrastructure and implement robust security controls including regular patch management, network monitoring, and access control measures to prevent exploitation of such flaws.