CVE-2020-4428 in Data Risk Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Data Risk Manager 2.0.1, 2.0.2, 2.0.3, and 2.0.4 could allow a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the system. IBM X-Force ID: 180533.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2025
IBM Data Risk Manager versions 2.0.1 through 2.0.4 contain a critical command injection vulnerability that enables remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the application's processing pipeline, allowing maliciously crafted inputs to be interpreted and executed as system commands. The flaw exists in the way the application handles user-supplied data in specific API endpoints, creating a path for attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and escalate privileges to execute malicious payloads with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability is classified as a command injection flaw under CWE-77, which represents one of the most dangerous categories of software vulnerabilities as it directly enables remote code execution capabilities. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted requests that include shell commands within legitimate application interfaces, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized data access. The impact extends beyond simple command execution as it allows for lateral movement within network environments and can facilitate further exploitation of connected systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated user account, reducing the attack surface compared to unauthenticated exploits but still presenting significant risk given the potential for privilege escalation and system compromise. IBM Data Risk Manager operates in enterprise environments where it typically runs with elevated privileges, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous. The vulnerability affects the application's web interface and API components, where user inputs are processed without proper sanitization before being passed to system execution functions. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of system commands through application interfaces. Security researchers have identified that the vulnerability can be triggered through multiple vectors including file upload functionalities, configuration parameter manipulation, and API request handling mechanisms. The attack chain typically involves authentication, input injection, and command execution phases that can be automated and scaled across multiple targets.
Organizations utilizing IBM Data Risk Manager versions 2.0.1 through 2.0.4 face substantial operational risks including data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations. The vulnerability creates persistent access points that attackers can maintain long-term, enabling data exfiltration and system manipulation over extended periods. Immediate remediation efforts should prioritize applying the official IBM patches and updates that address the command injection vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the affected application to untrusted networks. Security monitoring should focus on identifying unusual command execution patterns and unauthorized API access attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper application security controls in enterprise software solutions. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their IBM Data Risk Manager deployments to identify any additional vulnerabilities or misconfigurations that could compound the risk. The incident highlights the necessity of maintaining current security patches and implementing robust security monitoring practices to detect and respond to exploitation attempts in real-time. Proper security awareness training for administrators and developers is essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future application deployments.