CVE-2019-4412 in Cognos Controller
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Cognos Controller 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: 162659.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/11/2024
IBM Cognos Controller contains a security vulnerability classified as information disclosure through improper handling of sensitive data in Uniform Resource Locator parameters. This weakness allows unauthorized parties to gain access to confidential information by intercepting URLs that contain authentication tokens, session identifiers, or other sensitive data elements. The vulnerability exists because the application does not adequately sanitize or encrypt data passed through URL parameters, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors who have access to server logs, referrer headers, or browser history. The flaw represents a direct violation of security best practices for web application development and data protection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly secure sensitive information within URL structures. When users navigate through the IBM Cognos Controller interface, certain parameters containing confidential data are appended directly to the URL rather than being handled through secure server-side mechanisms. This approach exposes the information to various attack vectors including server-side logging mechanisms that may capture full URLs, browser history storage, and referrer header transmission between different web applications. The vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 for credential access through unsecured data storage. The exposure of sensitive URL parameters creates a significant risk for organizations as it allows for session hijacking, unauthorized access to restricted data, and potential privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential business disruption and regulatory compliance violations. Organizations using IBM Cognos Controller may face unauthorized access to financial data, user credentials, and other sensitive business information that could result in financial loss, reputational damage, and legal consequences. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where server logs are not properly secured or where users access the application from shared or public computing environments. Attackers can leverage this weakness to construct targeted attacks against specific users or organizations by analyzing URL patterns in log files, browser history, or network traffic. The exposure of sensitive parameters through URLs can also facilitate phishing attacks and social engineering campaigns, as attackers can use captured URL information to impersonate legitimate users or gain unauthorized access to protected resources. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity aspects of the CIA triad and can lead to compliance violations under various regulatory frameworks including gdpr, hipaa, and soc 2.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of mitigation to address this vulnerability in IBM Cognos Controller environments. The primary recommendation involves modifying the application's URL parameter handling to ensure that sensitive information is not transmitted through URL structures. This can be achieved through proper input validation, encryption of sensitive data, and implementation of secure session management protocols. Organizations should also review and secure server logging configurations to prevent sensitive data from being stored in plain text within log files. Network administrators should implement proper access controls on log files and ensure that referrer headers are configured to minimize information leakage. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their web applications. The implementation of web application firewalls and secure coding practices can further reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing additional authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication to provide defense in depth against potential attacks exploiting this vulnerability. Regular security updates and patches from IBM should be applied promptly to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed in a timely manner.