CVE-2019-4582 in Maximo Asset Management
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Maximo Asset Management 7.6.0 and 7.6.1 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: 167288.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2020
This vulnerability resides in IBM Maximo Asset Management version 7.6.0 and 7.6.1, representing a classic directory traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access unauthorized system files. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the application's URL processing mechanism, allowing malicious actors to exploit path traversal sequences using standard dot-dot notation. When an attacker crafts a specially crafted URL request containing double-dot sequences such as /../, the application fails to properly sanitize these inputs, permitting access to files outside the intended directory structure. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The security implications extend beyond simple file access, as attackers can potentially retrieve sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other confidential data stored on the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant, as it provides remote attackers with unauthorized access to the underlying file system without requiring authentication or prior system compromise. Attackers can leverage this flaw to explore the application's file structure, potentially identifying additional vulnerabilities or sensitive information that could aid in further exploitation. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the network, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where Maximo Asset Management systems are accessible over the internet. The attack vector is straightforward, requiring only a web browser or HTTP client to send malicious requests containing path traversal sequences, which makes this vulnerability highly exploitable and potentially automated through scanning tools.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including TA0005 (Defense Evasion) and TA0007 (Discovery) as attackers can evade detection while discovering system information. The vulnerability creates opportunities for privilege escalation and lateral movement within the network, as access to system files may reveal additional attack vectors or credentials. Organizations using IBM Maximo Asset Management in production environments face heightened risk of data breaches, intellectual property theft, or system compromise. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning for industries that rely on Maximo for critical asset management, as unauthorized access to system files could disrupt business operations or expose sensitive operational data. This weakness demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in enterprise applications, especially those handling sensitive business data.
The recommended mitigations include applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates immediately, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all URL parameters, and configuring web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious path traversal attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their Maximo installations, review file system permissions, and implement network segmentation to limit access to critical systems. Additionally, regular security monitoring and log analysis should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts, while application developers should adopt secure coding practices that prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of validating all user inputs and implementing proper access controls in enterprise applications to prevent unauthorized system access and data exposure.