CVE-2019-4295 in Robotic Process Automation with Automation Anywhere
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Robotic Process Automation with Automation Anywhere 11 could allow an attacker with specialized access to obtain highly sensitive from the credential vault. IBM X-Force ID: 160758.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2023
IBM Robotic Process Automation with Automation Anywhere version 11 contains a critical security vulnerability that enables attackers with specialized access to extract highly sensitive information from the credential vault. This vulnerability represents a significant compromise in the security architecture of the automation platform, as it directly targets the component responsible for storing and managing authentication credentials. The flaw allows unauthorized access to the credential vault, which typically contains usernames, passwords, and other sensitive authentication data used by automated processes. The vulnerability exists due to inadequate access controls and insufficient validation mechanisms within the credential storage system, creating an attack vector that could be exploited by malicious actors with legitimate access to the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from weaknesses in the credential vault's authorization framework, where proper authentication checks fail to adequately verify the privilege levels of users attempting to access sensitive credential data. This weakness aligns with common security flaws categorized under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control vulnerabilities. Attackers with specialized access could leverage this flaw to bypass normal security boundaries and extract credentials that would otherwise remain protected. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because credential vaults are designed to be the most secure components within automation platforms, storing sensitive information that could enable further attacks across the entire system infrastructure.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend far beyond the immediate credential theft, as compromised authentication data could enable attackers to escalate privileges and move laterally within the network. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege by allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data that should only be available to authorized administrators. The attack surface is expanded when considering that compromised credentials could provide access to downstream systems, databases, and applications that rely on the same authentication mechanisms. This scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1555, which covers credential access through various methods including the exploitation of credential storage systems. Organizations utilizing this automation platform face significant risk of unauthorized access to their entire automated workflow ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust access control measures and strengthening the credential vault's security architecture. Immediate remediation includes applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates that address the specific access control flaws in the credential management system. Organizations should also implement additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unauthorized access attempts to credential storage systems. The implementation of multi-factor authentication for accessing the credential vault, along with regular security audits of access controls, would significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege enforcement should be enforced to limit the potential impact of credential compromise. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and address similar vulnerabilities in the automation platform's security architecture, ensuring comprehensive protection against credential theft and unauthorized access scenarios.