CVE-2019-9157 in DS3 Authentication Server
Summary
by MITRE
Gemalto DS3 Authentication Server 2.6.1-SP01 allows Local File Disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9157 affects the Gemalto DS3 Authentication Server version 2.6.1-SP01, presenting a critical local file disclosure flaw that enables unauthorized access to sensitive system files. This authentication server solution is designed to provide secure authentication services for enterprise environments, making the presence of such a vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on its security mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper access controls within the server's file handling mechanisms, allowing local attackers to retrieve arbitrary files from the system's filesystem through crafted requests.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the server's failure to properly sanitize user inputs when processing file access requests. Attackers can exploit this weakness by constructing malicious requests that bypass normal file access restrictions, potentially gaining access to configuration files, credential stores, system logs, and other sensitive data that should remain protected. The vulnerability operates at the application level, requiring local system access or the ability to send crafted requests to the authentication server's interface. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is commonly associated with path traversal attacks and unauthorized file access scenarios.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise security infrastructure, as the DS3 Authentication Server typically handles sensitive authentication data and serves as a critical component in identity management systems. Successful exploitation could lead to credential theft, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within the network. The local file disclosure could expose database connection strings, encryption keys, administrative credentials, and other sensitive information that would otherwise be protected by the server's access controls. Organizations using this authentication server may face regulatory compliance violations and security breaches if this vulnerability is exploited by malicious actors. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1078 Valid Accounts and T1566 Phishing, as exploitation often requires initial access to the system and could lead to privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9157 should prioritize immediate patch application from Gemalto, as the vendor has likely released security updates addressing this specific flaw. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the authentication server, enforce strict access controls, and monitor for unusual file access patterns. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious file access requests, conducting regular security assessments of the authentication infrastructure, and maintaining comprehensive audit logs to track system access. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation, serving as a reminder that authentication systems must be hardened against both external and internal threats. Security teams should also consider implementing privileged access management solutions to reduce the attack surface and ensure that administrative access to critical systems remains tightly controlled and monitored.