CVE-2019-4381 in IBM
Summary
by MITRE
IBM i 7.27.3 Clustering could allow a local attacker to obtain sensitive information, caused by the use of advanced node failure detection using the REST API to interface with the HMC. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to obtain HMC credentials. IBM X-Force ID: 162159.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2023
This vulnerability exists within IBM i 7.27.3 clustering functionality where the system employs advanced node failure detection mechanisms that communicate with the Hardware Management Console through REST API interfaces. The flaw stems from insufficient credential handling and information disclosure practices during the node failure detection process, creating an avenue for local attackers to extract sensitive authentication credentials from the HMC. The vulnerability specifically leverages the communication channels between clustered nodes and the management console to intercept or retrieve authentication tokens and credentials that should remain protected. This represents a critical security gap in the IBM i system's privilege separation model and credential management protocols.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the REST API communication pathways used for node health monitoring and failure detection within the clustering environment. Attackers can manipulate local system components to intercept API responses containing HMC authentication information, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the management console. The flaw occurs because the system does not adequately sanitize or secure the credential data passed through these interfaces during normal operational procedures. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and CWE-306 (Missing Authentication) categories, as it exposes sensitive information through improper API handling and lacks proper authentication verification mechanisms. The attack vector operates at the local system level, requiring minimal privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access might be compromised.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain full administrative control over the HMC and subsequently compromise the entire clustered IBM i environment. An attacker with access to these credentials could perform unauthorized system modifications, monitor network traffic, and manipulate cluster configurations without detection. The vulnerability undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the IBM i clustering architecture, potentially affecting multiple nodes within the cluster simultaneously. Organizations utilizing IBM i 7.27.3 systems face significant risk of unauthorized access to critical infrastructure management functions, with potential cascading effects on data integrity and system availability. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers could leverage stolen credentials for further system compromise and lateral movement.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the relevant IBM security patches and hotfixes released for this vulnerability, reviewing and strengthening local access controls, and implementing network segmentation to limit direct access to HMC interfaces. System administrators should conduct comprehensive credential audits and monitor for unauthorized access attempts through REST API interfaces. Additional protective measures include enabling enhanced logging of API communications, implementing stricter firewall rules, and establishing monitoring procedures for unusual authentication patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper privilege separation and secure credential handling in distributed systems, emphasizing the need for continuous security assessment of management interfaces and API communication channels. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for HMC access and regularly review their clustering configurations to ensure proper isolation of management functions from operational components.