CVE-2020-4239 in Tivoli Netcool Impact
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Netcool Impact 7.1.0.0 through 7.1.0.17 could allow a remote attacker to obtain sensitive information when a detailed technical error message is returned in the browser. This information could be used in further attacks against the system. IBM X-Force ID: 175412.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2024
IBM Tivoli Netcool Impact version 7.1.0.0 through 7.1.0.17 contains a vulnerability that exposes sensitive system information through detailed error messages returned to web browsers. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that can significantly aid attackers in understanding the system architecture and identifying potential attack vectors. The vulnerability occurs when the application generates comprehensive technical error messages that include internal system details, stack traces, or configuration information that should remain hidden from end users. Such exposure creates opportunities for attackers to gather intelligence about the underlying infrastructure, software versions, and potentially exploitable system components.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which specifically addresses the exposure of error messages containing sensitive information. When the web application encounters an error condition, it returns verbose diagnostic information that includes system paths, component names, and potentially database connection details. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of defense in depth and least privilege access, as the application should never reveal internal implementation details to unauthorized users. The vulnerability exists at the application layer and affects the web interface components of the Netcool Impact platform, making it accessible to remote attackers without requiring authentication or specialized access rights.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information gathering, as it provides attackers with critical reconnaissance data that can be leveraged in subsequent exploitation phases. An attacker who discovers this vulnerability can use the exposed information to craft more targeted attacks against the system, potentially identifying version-specific exploits or configuration weaknesses. The exposure of system internals can also aid in bypassing security controls, as attackers may discover the presence of specific security mechanisms or identify misconfigurations that could be exploited. This vulnerability particularly affects the availability and integrity of the system, as it creates opportunities for attackers to plan more sophisticated attacks that could compromise the entire platform.
Organizations should implement multiple mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability effectively. The primary remediation involves configuring the web application to suppress detailed error messages and instead return generic error responses to users. This approach aligns with the principle of least information disclosure and is recommended by the OWASP Top Ten project. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and error handling mechanisms can prevent the generation of sensitive information in error responses. The application should be configured to log detailed errors internally while presenting only generic messages to users. Security monitoring should also be enhanced to detect unusual error message patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should verify that error handling configurations remain effective and that no other components of the system are exposing sensitive information through similar mechanisms.