CVE-2020-4717 in SPSS Modeler
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2021
A vulnerability exists in IBM SPSS Modeler Subscription Installer that allows a user with create symbolic link permission to write arbitrary file in another protected path during product installation. IBM X-Force ID: 187727.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-4717 resides within the IBM SPSS Modeler Subscription Installer, a component used for deploying and managing the IBM SPSS Modeler software suite. This installer presents a critical security weakness that can be exploited by malicious actors who possess the ability to create symbolic links within the installation environment. The flaw specifically manifests during the product installation process when the installer fails to properly validate or sanitize symbolic link creation operations, potentially allowing unauthorized file write operations to protected system locations.
This vulnerability represents a classic path traversal and privilege escalation issue that can be categorized under CWE-59 as improper link resolution without limitations. The installer's failure to properly validate symbolic link targets creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the installation process and write files to arbitrary locations on the system. When a user with appropriate permissions can create symbolic links, they can craft malicious link structures that redirect installation operations to sensitive system directories, potentially leading to privilege escalation or persistent malware installation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file manipulation, as it can enable attackers to compromise the integrity of the entire installation environment. During the installation process, the system may execute operations that write configuration files, binaries, or other critical components to locations specified by symbolic links. This creates opportunities for attackers to inject malicious code into the system, potentially gaining elevated privileges or establishing persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at installation time when system permissions are typically elevated and when the installation process may have access to write operations in protected directories.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution, as attackers could leverage the compromised installation process to execute malicious code through manipulated file placements. Additionally, this weakness can be classified as a privilege escalation vector under ATT&CK technique T1068, since successful exploitation allows attackers to gain higher privileges than initially granted. The vulnerability also relates to T1547.001 for registry run keys and T1547.009 for boot or logon initiation scripts, as the attacker could potentially place malicious components in locations that automatically execute during system startup or user login processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-4717 should focus on restricting symbolic link creation permissions in installation environments, particularly for users who do not require such capabilities for legitimate administrative tasks. Organizations should implement strict access controls limiting who can create symbolic links during installation processes and ensure that installation procedures run with minimal required privileges. System administrators should also apply the latest security patches provided by IBM to address this vulnerability and consider implementing additional safeguards such as file integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized file modifications during installation processes. The recommended approach involves validating all symbolic link targets and ensuring that installation operations cannot be redirected to protected system locations without explicit authorization.