CVE-2019-4263 in Content Navigator
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Content Navigator 3.0CD is vulnerable to local file inclusion, allowing an attacker to access a configuration file in the ICN server. IBM X-Force ID: 160015.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2023
IBM Content Navigator version 3.0CD contains a local file inclusion vulnerability that represents a critical security weakness in the application's file handling mechanisms. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's file processing components, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive server configuration files. The flaw exists in the way the system handles file paths and references, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate file access requests and potentially gain unauthorized access to critical system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that include directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation techniques to navigate beyond the intended file access boundaries. The vulnerability specifically affects the ICN server configuration files, which typically contain sensitive information including database connection strings, authentication credentials, and system configuration parameters that could be leveraged for further attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with access to configuration files that may contain credentials, encryption keys, and other sensitive data that could enable more sophisticated attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially escalate privileges, access additional system resources, or use the gathered information to launch targeted attacks against other systems within the network infrastructure. The local file inclusion nature of this vulnerability means that exploitation does not require network access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from within the local network or even from compromised endpoints.
From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the initial access and privilege escalation domains. The vulnerability could be exploited as part of a broader attack chain where attackers first gain access through this local file inclusion flaw, then use the retrieved information to move laterally within the network or escalate privileges. IBM has documented this specific vulnerability with X-Force ID 160015, indicating the severity and the need for immediate remediation. Organizations should implement immediate patching strategies to address this vulnerability and should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts or unauthorized access that may have already occurred.
Mitigation strategies should include applying the official IBM patches and updates released for IBM Content Navigator 3.0CD, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect suspicious file access patterns. Network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit potential damage from such vulnerabilities, while regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems. Additionally, organizations should ensure that configuration files are properly secured with appropriate access controls and that sensitive information is not stored in easily accessible locations within the file system.