CVE-2021-29686 in Security Identity Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 05/21/2021
IBM Security Identity Manager 7.0.2 could allow an authenticated user to bypass security and perform actions that they should not have access to. IBM X-Force ID: 200015
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-29686 affects IBM Security Identity Manager version 7.0.2, representing a critical authorization bypass flaw that undermines the security posture of identity management systems. This issue enables authenticated users to escalate their privileges and perform unauthorized actions within the system, fundamentally compromising the principle of least privilege that forms the cornerstone of secure access control mechanisms. The vulnerability resides in the application's permission validation logic, where proper access controls fail to adequately verify user entitlements before granting system access. Such a flaw directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of identity management operations, potentially allowing malicious actors with legitimate credentials to access sensitive data and perform administrative functions beyond their designated roles.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient authorization checks within the IBM Security Identity Manager framework. Attackers exploiting this weakness can manipulate the system's access control mechanisms to gain elevated privileges without proper authentication or authorization. This type of flaw typically manifests through improper validation of user permissions, where the system fails to properly verify that authenticated users possess the necessary entitlements to perform specific operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems, and represents a classic case of privilege escalation through insufficient access control validation. The security implications extend beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized modification of identity records.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-29686 is severe and multifaceted, particularly within enterprise environments where IBM Security Identity Manager serves as a critical component for managing user identities and access rights. Organizations utilizing this software face significant risks including unauthorized access to sensitive identity data, potential account takeovers, and the ability to modify user permissions and access controls. This vulnerability can be exploited by both internal malicious actors and external attackers who have obtained legitimate credentials through various means such as credential theft or social engineering. The impact extends to compliance requirements, as organizations may fail to meet regulatory standards for access control and data protection. The vulnerability also affects the system's audit capabilities, as unauthorized actions may go undetected due to the bypass of normal access control mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention and comprehensive implementation across affected systems. Organizations should prioritize applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates as soon as they become available, while simultaneously implementing additional security controls such as enhanced monitoring and logging of access attempts. Network segmentation and the principle of least privilege should be enforced more rigorously to minimize the potential impact of exploitation. Security teams should conduct thorough access control reviews and implement multi-factor authentication for privileged accounts. The mitigation approach should align with established security frameworks and include continuous monitoring for suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in their broader security infrastructure, as this vulnerability represents a potential indicator of broader authorization control issues within the system architecture.