CVE-2020-4271 in QRadar
Summary
by MITRE
IBM QRadar 7.3.0 to 7.3.3 Patch 2 could allow an authenticated user to send a specially crafted command which would be executed as a lower privileged user. IBM X-ForceID: 175897.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2024
IBM QRadar vulnerability CVE-2020-4271 represents a privilege escalation flaw affecting versions 7.3.0 through 7.3.3 Patch 2 of the security information and event management platform. This vulnerability specifically targets the command execution mechanism within the system's authentication framework, allowing authenticated users to craft and submit malicious commands that execute with reduced privileges rather than their full administrative rights. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and command handling procedures within the QRadar console interface, creating a path for privilege manipulation through carefully constructed user inputs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper sanitization of user-supplied commands within the QRadar management console. When an authenticated user submits a crafted command, the system fails to properly validate or filter the input before processing, enabling the execution of arbitrary code with limited privileges. This behavior violates fundamental security principles and creates a potential vector for attackers to escalate their access within the system. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-78 as a failure to sanitize user inputs, specifically in the context of command injection within a web-based management interface. The issue manifests through the QRadar console's handling of administrative commands, where user inputs are directly passed to system execution functions without proper sanitization measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-4271 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, creating potential for broader system compromise and data exposure within enterprise environments. An authenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute commands that would otherwise require higher privileges, potentially accessing sensitive system information, modifying configurations, or disrupting normal operations. The reduced privilege execution context means that while the immediate impact may be limited, the vulnerability provides a foothold for further exploitation and lateral movement within the network. This flaw particularly affects organizations relying on QRadar for security monitoring and incident response, as it undermines the integrity of the system's access controls and could enable attackers to bypass security measures designed to protect critical infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches released by IBM to address the vulnerability in QRadar versions 7.3.0 through 7.3.3 Patch 2. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of authenticated attacks. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through the exploitation of system vulnerabilities, and T1078 which addresses valid accounts and legitimate credentials. Security teams should monitor for suspicious command execution patterns and implement enhanced logging and monitoring of administrative activities within the QRadar environment to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and privilege management in security systems, particularly those handling sensitive enterprise data and security operations.