CVE-2021-29867 in Cognos Analytics
Summary
by MITRE • 12/03/2021
IBM Cognos Analytics 11.1.7 and 11.2.0 could allow an authenticated to view or edit a Jupyter notebook that they should not have access to. IBM X-Force ID: 206212.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2021
This vulnerability affects IBM Cognos Analytics versions 11.1.7 and 11.2.0, specifically targeting the Jupyter notebook functionality within the platform. The issue represents a critical access control flaw that allows authenticated users to bypass intended security boundaries and access Jupyter notebooks they should not have permission to view or edit. The vulnerability stems from insufficient authorization checks within the notebook management system, creating a path for privilege escalation through unauthorized data access.
The technical flaw manifests as a failure in the access control mechanisms that govern notebook visibility and editing permissions. When users authenticate to the IBM Cognos Analytics platform, the system should enforce strict authorization policies based on user roles, groups, and predefined access controls. However, this vulnerability enables authenticated users to exploit the notebook access controls, potentially accessing sensitive data or modifying notebooks that contain confidential information, analytical models, or proprietary business insights. The issue is classified under CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization within software systems, making it a direct violation of fundamental security principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can lead to significant business disruption and compliance violations. Organizations relying on IBM Cognos Analytics for business intelligence and data analytics may experience unauthorized access to sensitive analytical workspaces, potentially compromising competitive intelligence, financial data, or strategic business models. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the analytics environment, as users can not only view restricted notebooks but also modify them, potentially introducing malicious code or altering analytical results. This represents a serious concern for enterprises handling regulated data or sensitive business information, as it could violate data protection regulations and industry compliance standards.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates for IBM Cognos Analytics versions 11.1.7 and 11.2.0. System administrators should conduct thorough access control reviews and audit notebook permissions to identify any unauthorized access that may have occurred. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through unauthorized access to system resources. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, enhanced monitoring of notebook access patterns, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation. The incident highlights the importance of proper access control implementation in collaborative analytics platforms where multiple users interact with shared data resources, emphasizing the need for robust authorization frameworks that protect sensitive analytical workspaces from unauthorized access.