CVE-2020-4305 in InfoSphere Information Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.3, 11.5, and 11.7 could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system, caused by the deserialization of untrusted data. By persuading a victim to visit a specially crafted Web site, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the system. IBM X-Force ID: 176677.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2020
IBM InfoSphere Information Server versions 11.3, 11.5, and 11.7 contain a critical deserialization vulnerability that enables remote code execution through untrusted data processing. This flaw exists in the web application's handling of serialized objects, where the system fails to properly validate or sanitize input data before deserializing it into executable code. The vulnerability stems from the application's insufficient validation mechanisms that allow maliciously crafted serialized data to be processed without proper security checks, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by remote threat actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of Java deserialization flaws that are commonly categorized under CWE-502, which specifically addresses the deserialization of untrusted data. Attackers can craft malicious web content that, when accessed by a victim, triggers the deserialization process and executes arbitrary commands on the target system. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, as the exploitation results in arbitrary code execution within the application's runtime environment. The attack vector typically involves social engineering tactics where users are tricked into visiting compromised websites that deliver the malicious serialized payload.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can provide attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Once successfully exploited, attackers can gain full control over the affected InfoSphere Information Server instances, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system modification, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the IBM InfoSphere platform, making it particularly concerning for organizations that maintain legacy systems or have delayed patching cycles. This type of vulnerability can also serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, as it allows threat actors to establish persistent access and escalate privileges within the targeted environment.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates, implementing network segmentation to limit access to affected systems, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious deserialization attempts. Additional protective measures should include disabling unnecessary web services, implementing strict input validation protocols, and monitoring for suspicious deserialization activities within system logs. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments to identify similar flaws in application frameworks and libraries. Security teams should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect deserialization patterns and alert on potentially malicious data transfers.