CVE-2020-4584 in i2 iBase
Summary
by MITRE
IBM i2 iBase 8.9.13 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: 184574.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2020
IBM i2 iBase version 8.9.13 contains a vulnerability that exposes sensitive system information through detailed error messages returned to remote attackers. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability where the application fails to properly sanitize error outputs before presenting them to users. The vulnerability occurs when the system generates technical error messages that contain internal system details, stack traces, or configuration information that should remain hidden from external parties. Such exposures can include database connection strings, file paths, system architecture details, or other sensitive metadata that provides attackers with valuable intelligence for subsequent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability specifically affects remote attackers who can access the web interface without authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no prior access to the system to exploit.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms within the iBase application framework. When processing user requests or encountering system failures, the application generates verbose error responses that include not only the basic error information but also extensive technical details about the internal workings of the system. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of defense in depth and principle of least privilege, as it inadvertently provides attackers with information that should remain confidential. The error messages may contain database schema details, server configuration parameters, or other system-specific information that can be leveraged to craft more sophisticated attacks. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which specifically addresses the issue of error messages containing sensitive information, and represents a clear violation of the principle that error messages should not reveal internal system state or configuration details.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it significantly reduces the security posture of the affected system. Attackers who exploit this vulnerability can use the disclosed information to plan more targeted attacks, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data breaches, or system compromise. The exposure of internal system details allows threat actors to map the application architecture, identify potential attack vectors, and develop more effective exploitation techniques. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations using IBM i2 iBase for critical business intelligence or forensic analysis applications where the system handles sensitive data. The lack of authentication requirements for exploitation means that any remote user can potentially access this information, making the impact more severe than typical information disclosure vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also represents a significant concern for compliance requirements, as it can lead to violations of data protection regulations that mandate the protection of sensitive system information.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of mitigation to address this vulnerability effectively. The primary recommendation involves configuring the application to suppress detailed technical error messages and instead display generic error responses to users. This approach aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1068, which focuses on exploiting local system permissions, by preventing attackers from gaining initial intelligence through error information. System administrators should also implement proper logging and monitoring mechanisms to detect when error messages are being generated and potentially exposed. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities across the application stack. The fix should include comprehensive error handling routines that sanitize all error outputs and ensure that no sensitive information is exposed to end users. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and security headers to further reduce the risk of information disclosure. Given the nature of this vulnerability, it is crucial to establish a comprehensive vulnerability management process that includes regular updates and patches for the iBase application, as well as ongoing security awareness training for personnel who interact with the system. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper error handling mechanisms that protect system integrity while maintaining usability for legitimate users.