CVE-2019-4446 in Maximo Asset Management
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Maximo Asset Management 7.6 could allow an authenticated user perform actions they are not authorized to by modifying request parameters. IBM X-Force ID: 163490.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2024
IBM Maximo Asset Management version 7.6 contains a significant authorization bypass vulnerability that allows authenticated users to escalate their privileges and perform unauthorized actions within the system. This weakness stems from insufficient input validation and parameter handling mechanisms that fail to properly verify user permissions before executing critical operations. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes request parameters without adequate authorization checks, enabling malicious users to manipulate these parameters and gain access to resources or functions they should not be permitted to access.
The technical flaw resides in the application's insufficient parameter validation and access control enforcement mechanisms. When authenticated users submit requests to the Maximo application, the system does not adequately verify whether the user has proper authorization to perform the requested actions. This creates an opportunity for privilege escalation where users can modify request parameters to access restricted functionalities, view sensitive data, or execute administrative operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer, where user sessions are already authenticated but the system fails to maintain proper access boundaries during request processing.
This vulnerability has significant operational impact on organizations using IBM Maximo Asset Management 7.6 as it undermines the fundamental security principles of least privilege and access control. An attacker with a valid user account can potentially access confidential asset information, modify maintenance records, manipulate work orders, or even perform administrative functions that should be restricted to authorized personnel only. The implications extend beyond simple data exposure to include potential operational disruptions, compliance violations, and financial losses due to unauthorized modifications of critical asset management data. Organizations may face regulatory penalties if sensitive operational data is compromised through this vulnerability.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability involves implementing comprehensive input validation, strengthening access control mechanisms, and ensuring proper parameter sanitization throughout the application. Organizations should apply the official IBM security patches and updates released to address this specific vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper session management controls, enforcing strict input validation on all user-supplied parameters, and conducting regular security assessments of the Maximo application can help prevent exploitation. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation, monitoring user activities for suspicious parameter modifications, and establishing robust audit trails to detect unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-285 which addresses improper authorization in software systems, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and privilege escalation. Organizations should also review their access control policies and ensure that proper role-based access controls are implemented to minimize the impact of such vulnerabilities in their environments.