CVE-2019-4430 in Maximo Asset Management
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Maximo Asset Management 7.6 could allow a remote attacker to traverse directories on the system. An attacker could send a specially-crafted URL request containing "dot dot" sequences (/../) to view arbitrary files on the system. IBM X-Force ID: 162887.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2023
IBM Maximo Asset Management version 7.6 contains a directory traversal vulnerability that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the underlying system through crafted URL requests. This flaw specifically exploits the application's insufficient input validation when processing file paths that contain dot-dot sequences, allowing malicious actors to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access sensitive system files. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file system operations, creating an opportunity for attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve confidential data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of path traversal patterns where attackers append sequences such as /../ or ..\ to directory paths in HTTP requests. When the application processes these malformed paths without adequate validation, it resolves them to absolute system paths that may include sensitive files like configuration data, database credentials, or system binaries. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-22 according to the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where HTTP requests are processed and file system operations are executed, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard web browser interactions without requiring special privileges or authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as attackers could potentially access critical system files that contain sensitive configuration data, database connection strings, or application credentials. IBM Maximo Asset Management environments often contain proprietary business data, operational procedures, and system configurations that could be leveraged by malicious actors for further attacks or to gain deeper system access. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the network without requiring physical access or prior authentication, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise enterprise asset management systems. This vulnerability could facilitate additional attacks including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or system compromise through the access it provides to underlying system resources.
Organizations using IBM Maximo Asset Management 7.6 should immediately implement mitigations including input validation controls that sanitize all user-supplied paths before processing, implementing proper access controls that restrict file system access, and applying the vendor-provided security patches. The recommended approach involves configuring the application to reject or normalize path traversal sequences, implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious URL patterns, and conducting thorough security reviews of file access operations. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation to limit access to the Maximo application and establish monitoring procedures to detect unusual file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers may use this vulnerability to discover system files and potentially escalate privileges through credential access. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar path traversal issues in other applications and systems within the enterprise environment.