CVE-2019-4377 in Sterling B2B Integrator
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Sterling B2B Integrator 6.0.0.0 and 6.0.0.1 reveals sensitive information from a stack trace that could be used in further attacks against the system. IBM X-Force ID: 162803.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2023
IBM Sterling B2B Integrator versions 6.0.0.0 and 6.0.0.1 contain a vulnerability that exposes sensitive stack trace information to unauthorized users, creating potential entry points for subsequent attacks. This issue represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that can significantly compromise system security posture. The vulnerability stems from improper error handling mechanisms within the application's runtime environment where unhandled exceptions or runtime errors generate detailed stack traces containing internal system information, file paths, class names, and potentially sensitive data about the underlying infrastructure. Such exposure directly aligns with CWE-209, which categorizes the improper handling of exceptions and errors that lead to information disclosure. The stack traces reveal critical system details including component names, method signatures, and internal architectural elements that attackers can leverage to understand the application's structure and identify potential attack vectors. This vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1211 - Exploitation for Defense Evasion, as the information disclosure can be used to craft more sophisticated attacks that bypass security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information exposure, as it provides attackers with detailed insights into the system's internal workings. When a user encounters an error condition, the application's error handling routine generates a comprehensive stack trace that includes not only the error message but also the full call stack leading to the failure point. This information can reveal database connection strings, file system locations, internal API endpoints, and other sensitive components that should remain hidden from external users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects both major versions of the software, indicating a systemic flaw in the error handling implementation rather than an isolated incident. Attackers can exploit this information to plan targeted attacks against specific components or to develop more effective exploitation techniques that leverage the detailed system information disclosed. The IBM X-Force ID 162803 confirms this vulnerability's recognition within the security community as a significant risk that requires immediate attention.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper error handling protocols that sanitize error messages before display and establish comprehensive logging mechanisms that capture sensitive information without exposing it to end users. Organizations should configure the application to return generic error messages to users while maintaining detailed internal logs for security analysts. The implementation of input validation and proper exception handling can prevent the generation of detailed stack traces in production environments. Security measures should include disabling stack trace output in production deployments and implementing custom error pages that provide only necessary information to users. Regular security assessments should verify that error handling configurations remain effective and that no new code paths can generate sensitive information disclosure. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, particularly the prevention of information leakage through error handling, which directly addresses the concerns raised by CVE-2019-4377. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact of information disclosure by restricting access to sensitive system components even when vulnerabilities exist.