CVE-2019-4512 in Maximo Asset Management
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Maximo Asset Management 7.6.1.1 generates an error message that includes sensitive information that could be used in further attacks against the system. IBM X-Force ID: 164554.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2024
IBM Maximo Asset Management version 7.6.1.1 contains a vulnerability that exposes sensitive information through error messages, creating potential attack vectors for malicious actors. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that violates fundamental security principles by inadvertently revealing system internals to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's error handling mechanism, where system-generated error messages contain detailed technical information that should remain confidential.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper error message formatting within the Maximo application framework. When certain operational conditions are met, the system generates error responses that include database connection details, file paths, stack traces, or other system-specific information that could aid attackers in understanding the underlying architecture. This behavior aligns with CWE-209, which addresses the exposure of system information through error messages, and represents a significant weakness in the application's security posture. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it provides attackers with insights into the application's internal workings, potentially enabling more sophisticated attack techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates opportunities for attackers to conduct reconnaissance and plan subsequent attacks. An attacker who can access these error messages gains valuable intelligence about the system configuration, potentially identifying weak points in the architecture or discovering specific versions of underlying technologies. This information could be leveraged to exploit other vulnerabilities or to craft more targeted attacks against the Maximo environment. The vulnerability also impacts the principle of least privilege, as users who should only have access to business data might inadvertently gain access to system-level information that could be used for privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network.
Organizations utilizing IBM Maximo Asset Management 7.6.1.1 should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves configuring the application to suppress detailed error information in production environments, ensuring that error messages only contain generic information relevant to end users. Security teams should also implement proper logging and monitoring of error conditions to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that error handling mechanisms are properly configured to prevent information leakage. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1212, which covers exploitation of information disclosure vulnerabilities, underscores the need for comprehensive security controls. Organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure they can effectively handle potential exploitation of this vulnerability, particularly in environments where Maximo is integrated with other critical systems.