CVE-2019-4364 in Maximo Asset Management
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Maximo Asset Management 7.6 is vulnerable to CSV injection, which could allow a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbirary commands on the system. IBM X-Force ID: 161680.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2023
IBM Maximo Asset Management version 7.6 contains a critical csv injection vulnerability that poses significant security risks to organizations relying on this enterprise asset management platform. This vulnerability exists within the application's handling of comma-separated values data processing functionality, creating an attack vector that allows authenticated remote adversaries to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes user-supplied data through csv import mechanisms without proper sanitization or validation of input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the csv processing pipeline of IBM Maximo. When legitimate users upload or process csv files containing maliciously crafted data, the application fails to properly escape or filter special characters that could be interpreted as command sequences by the operating system. This weakness enables attackers to inject shell commands or system-level instructions that execute with the privileges of the Maximo application process. The vulnerability is classified under common weakness enumeration CWE-129 as an improper validation of input, specifically involving inadequate handling of special characters in data processing components.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk landscape for organizations utilizing IBM Maximo Asset Management. An authenticated attacker with access to the system can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized command execution capabilities, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of critical asset management operations. The attack requires only authentication credentials to the Maximo system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by insiders or compromised accounts. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from any location with network access to the Maximo server, eliminating the need for physical presence or direct system access.
The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential lateral movement within networks and data integrity violations. Attackers could use this vulnerability to escalate privileges, establish persistent access, or launch further attacks against connected systems. Organizations may experience disruption to their asset management workflows, potential data loss, and compliance violations if sensitive operational data becomes compromised. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to deploy additional malicious payloads or establish backdoors for future access. This weakness aligns with several tactics in the attack chain framework including privilege escalation and execution phases, making it a critical concern for security operations teams and compliance managers.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches from IBM, implementing network segmentation to limit access to Maximo systems, and conducting thorough review of csv import processes. Additional protective measures include restricting user permissions to minimize potential impact, implementing input validation controls, and monitoring for suspicious csv processing activities. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and network intrusion detection systems to identify and block malicious csv injection attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and security testing should be conducted to ensure proper implementation of controls and to identify any related vulnerabilities in the broader Maximo ecosystem.