CVE-2020-4607 in Security Secret Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Secret Server (IBM Security Verify Privilege Vault Remote 1.2 ) could allow a local user to bypass security restrictions due to improper input validation. IBM X-Force ID: 184884.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2020
IBM Security Secret Server version 1.2 contains a vulnerability that permits local users to circumvent security restrictions through inadequate input validation mechanisms. This flaw exists within the privilege vault remote component of the IBM Security Verify platform, where insufficient sanitization of user inputs allows malicious actors with local access to exploit the system's security controls. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize input parameters, creating potential entry points for unauthorized access and privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's handling of user-supplied data within privileged operations. When local users submit input to the system, the validation checks fail to adequately filter or sanitize the data, potentially allowing crafted inputs to bypass intended security boundaries. This weakness operates at the input validation layer where the system should enforce strict parameter checks but instead permits malformed or malicious input to proceed through the security gates. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by submitting specially crafted inputs that exploit the insufficient validation controls.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing IBM Security Secret Server 1.2. Local users who can exploit this weakness may gain unauthorized access to privileged functions, potentially leading to complete system compromise or data exfiltration. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as the vulnerability could enable attackers to modify sensitive configuration settings, access restricted data, or manipulate the system's security policies. Security administrators face the challenge of monitoring for potential exploitation attempts while maintaining the integrity of privileged access controls that are fundamental to protecting sensitive information assets.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches from IBM, which address the input validation deficiencies in the privilege vault remote component. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of local user access privileges and implement principle of least privilege controls to minimize potential impact. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of local system access that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in software security implementations. From an attack framework perspective, this issue maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and represents a common pathway for attackers to gain elevated system access through application-level vulnerabilities. The remediation approach should include comprehensive code review processes to identify similar input validation gaps throughout the application stack and implementation of robust input sanitization routines that align with industry best practices for secure coding standards.