CVE-2020-4957 in Security Identity Governance and Intelligence
Summary
by MITRE • 05/17/2022
IBM Security Identity Governance and Intelligence 5.2.6 could disclose sensitive information in URL parameters that could aid in future attacks against the system. IBM X-Force ID: 192208.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2022
IBM Security Identity Governance and Intelligence version 5.2.6 contains a vulnerability that allows for sensitive information disclosure through URL parameters, creating potential attack vectors for adversaries seeking to compromise the system. This vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure flaws that can significantly impact the security posture of identity governance systems. The flaw manifests when the application processes URL parameters without adequate sanitization or validation, potentially exposing confidential data such as session tokens, user identifiers, or system configuration details within the URL structure. Such information exposure creates opportunities for attackers to construct targeted attacks against authenticated users or system components. The vulnerability represents a critical concern for identity governance solutions where sensitive authentication and authorization data flows through web interfaces. According to CWE classification, this issue aligns with CWE-200, which covers "Information Exposure" and specifically addresses the improper exposure of sensitive information through application interfaces. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique related to reconnaissance and credential access, where adversaries can gather intelligence about system components and user sessions through information disclosure. The vulnerability impacts the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad by allowing unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data that should remain protected within the application's internal processing mechanisms. IBM Security Identity Governance and Intelligence systems typically handle critical identity management functions including user provisioning, access control, and authentication services, making any information disclosure particularly dangerous. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to obtain session identifiers, user credentials, or system configuration parameters that would enable them to impersonate legitimate users or gain deeper insights into the system architecture. The disclosure occurs at the application layer where URL parameters are processed, suggesting that the vulnerability exists in the web application's input handling mechanisms rather than at the network or infrastructure level. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in identity governance environments where the integrity and confidentiality of user access information are paramount for maintaining secure access control policies and preventing unauthorized system access. The impact extends beyond simple information exposure as it provides attackers with the foundation for more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, privilege escalation, or targeted credential theft. Organizations relying on this security solution must consider the potential for cascading effects where initial information disclosure leads to more severe compromise of identity management systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and parameter sanitization in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive authentication and authorization data. Security practitioners should implement comprehensive monitoring for unusual URL parameter patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patch application, implementation of web application firewalls to filter suspicious URL parameters, and enhanced logging to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on input handling mechanisms within identity management systems. Organizations should conduct thorough risk assessments to determine the potential impact of this vulnerability on their specific deployment environments and implement appropriate compensating controls. The disclosure of sensitive information through URL parameters represents a fundamental security weakness that can undermine the entire identity governance framework, making prompt remediation essential for maintaining system integrity and protecting against targeted attacks.