CVE-2019-4397 in Cloud Orchestrator
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Cloud Orchestrator and IBM Cloud Orchestrator Enterprise 2.5 through 2.5.0.9 and 2.4 through 2.4.0.5 stores sensitive information in URL parameters. This may lead to information disclosure if unauthorized parties have access to the URLs via server logs, referrer header or browser history. IBM X-Force ID: 162239
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-4397 affects IBM Cloud Orchestrator and IBM Cloud Orchestrator Enterprise versions 2.5 through 2.5.0.9 and 2.4 through 2.4.0.5, representing a significant information disclosure risk through improper handling of sensitive data in web application interfaces. This flaw manifests when the application incorporates confidential information directly into URL parameters, creating persistent exposure vectors that extend beyond the immediate application session. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper data handling within web applications, aligning with CWE-200 for exposure of sensitive information and CWE-542 for information exposure through web server logs. The issue is particularly concerning as it operates at the application layer where user interactions with web interfaces create predictable attack surfaces.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's design decision to embed authentication tokens, session identifiers, or other sensitive credentials directly within the Uniform Resource Locator structure rather than utilizing secure server-side storage mechanisms. When users navigate through the IBM Cloud Orchestrator interface, particularly during authentication flows or when accessing specific resources, the system constructs URLs that contain sensitive information such as API keys, user identifiers, or temporary access tokens. This approach violates fundamental security principles of secure coding practices and creates multiple attack vectors where unauthorized parties can obtain access to privileged information through indirect means. The vulnerability is classified as a form of credential exposure through URL manipulation and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for credentials in files and T1552.006 for credentials in URLs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable privilege escalation and unauthorized access to cloud orchestration resources. When sensitive data appears in URL parameters, it becomes accessible through various means including web server access logs that typically record all HTTP requests, browser history that maintains user navigation records, and referrer headers that may be transmitted between web applications. Attackers can exploit these exposure vectors to gain unauthorized access to cloud orchestration environments, potentially compromising the entire cloud infrastructure management system. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where multiple users interact with the system, as each user's session information becomes exposed through URL parameters that can be intercepted or reconstructed by malicious actors. This exposure creates a persistent threat that can be exploited over extended periods, making it particularly dangerous for long-running cloud orchestration operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-4397 must address both immediate remediation and architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Organizations should implement proper session management mechanisms that utilize server-side storage for sensitive information rather than URL parameters, ensuring that authentication tokens and session identifiers remain within the application's secure memory space. The solution involves implementing robust input validation and output encoding practices that prevent sensitive data from being exposed in URLs, while also ensuring that web server configurations properly sanitize log files to prevent sensitive information from being recorded. Security measures should include implementing secure communication protocols such as HTTPS to encrypt URL parameters in transit, establishing proper access controls that limit URL exposure, and implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious URL patterns. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security testing including penetration testing and code reviews focused on identifying similar information disclosure vulnerabilities, with particular attention to URL construction practices and session management implementations. The remediation process should also involve comprehensive user education regarding the risks of sharing URLs and the importance of secure browsing practices within cloud orchestration environments.