CVE-2019-4562 in Security Directory Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Directory Server 6.4.0 stores sensitive information in URLs. This may lead to information disclosure if unauthorized parties have access to the URLs via server logs, referer header or browser history. IBM X-Force ID: 166623.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2024
IBM Security Directory Server version 6.4.0 contains a vulnerability that exposes sensitive information within URL parameters, creating a significant security risk through information disclosure. This flaw represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference and improper information handling within web applications. The vulnerability occurs when the system processes authentication credentials, session tokens, or other sensitive data directly within URL structures rather than using secure storage mechanisms. The exposed information can include user credentials, authentication tokens, or other confidential data that should remain protected within the application's internal processing mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the server's handling of URL-based communication where sensitive parameters are passed through query strings or path components. When these URLs are logged in server logs, transmitted via referer headers, or stored in browser history, unauthorized parties can access the sensitive data contained within these parameters. This creates an attack surface that aligns with CWE-598, which specifically addresses information exposure through URL parameters, and CWE-200, covering information exposure vulnerabilities. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and secure coding practices where sensitive data should never be exposed in URLs due to their inherent visibility and persistence across various system components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable credential theft, session hijacking, and unauthorized access to protected resources. Attackers can exploit this weakness by monitoring network traffic, accessing server logs, or leveraging browser-based attacks to harvest sensitive information from URL parameters. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where multiple users access the directory server through web interfaces, as the exposure of credentials or tokens in URLs creates a persistent risk. The risk is amplified when considering that URL-based information exposure can be exploited through various attack vectors including man-in-the-middle attacks, server-side logging vulnerabilities, or client-side storage mechanisms that retain URL history.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper URL parameter handling and secure credential management practices. Organizations should immediately implement URL sanitization protocols to prevent sensitive data from being included in URL parameters, ensuring that authentication tokens and credentials are transmitted through secure headers or POST data rather than URL components. The implementation of proper session management mechanisms, including the use of secure HTTP-only cookies and proper session token handling, can significantly reduce the exposure risk. Additionally, server configurations should be reviewed to ensure that URL parameters are not logged in server logs, and that access controls are properly enforced to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. This vulnerability requires immediate attention as it represents a fundamental security flaw in how the directory server handles sensitive data transmission, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1566 for credential access through network sniffing and T1071 for application layer protocols. The fix should include comprehensive code review and security testing to ensure that no other similar vulnerabilities exist within the application's URL handling mechanisms, while also implementing proper logging controls to prevent accidental exposure of sensitive information through server-side logging processes.