CVE-2020-4654 in Sterling File Gateway
Summary
by MITRE • 10/08/2021
IBM Sterling File Gateway 2.2.0.0 through 6.1.1.0 could allow an authenticated user to obtain sensitive information due to improper permission control. IBM X-Force ID: 186090.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2021
IBM Sterling File Gateway versions 2.2.0.0 through 6.1.1.0 contain a security vulnerability that allows authenticated users to access sensitive information through improper permission control mechanisms. This vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient authorization controls as classified by CWE-285, where the system fails to properly verify that an authenticated user has the necessary permissions to access specific resources or data. The flaw enables unauthorized data exposure within the file gateway environment, potentially compromising the confidentiality of sensitive information processed through the system. The vulnerability exists in the permission validation logic that governs access to various file operations and data elements within the gateway infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access control enforcement mechanisms within the Sterling File Gateway authentication framework. When authenticated users interact with the system, the permission checking routines do not sufficiently validate whether the user should have access to specific data sets or operational functions. This weakness allows users with legitimate credentials to potentially access files, configurations, or operational details that they should not be authorized to view. The improper permission control manifests in the system's failure to maintain proper separation between different user roles and their respective access privileges, creating a scenario where privilege escalation or unauthorized data access can occur through legitimate authentication channels.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the security architecture of the file gateway system. Attackers who can authenticate to the system gain the ability to extract sensitive information that may include file contents, system configurations, user data, or operational details that should remain confidential. This vulnerability undermines the trust model of the Sterling File Gateway, potentially leading to data breaches, compliance violations, and operational disruptions. Organizations using affected versions face risks of unauthorized access to business-critical data, which could result in financial losses, regulatory penalties, and damage to reputation. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that it affects multiple versions within the 2.2.0.0 through 6.1.1.0 range, indicating a widespread issue across the product lineage.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates to bring their Sterling File Gateway installations to secure versions. System administrators should conduct thorough access reviews to ensure that user permissions align with the principle of least privilege, limiting access to sensitive data based on job requirements. Network segmentation and monitoring of file gateway activities can help detect unauthorized access attempts or data exfiltration attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation and credential access domains, where adversaries leverage legitimate credentials to access restricted information. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing additional logging and audit controls to track access patterns and identify potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing of the file gateway environment can help identify similar permission control weaknesses that may not have been previously discovered.