CVE-2022-22308 in Planning Analytics
Summary
by MITRE • 02/21/2022
IBM Planning Analytics 2.0 is vulnerable to a Remote File Include (RFI) attack. User input could be passed into file include commands and the web application could be tricked into including remote files with malicious code. IBM X-Force ID: 216891.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2022
IBM Planning Analytics version 2.0 contains a critical remote file inclusion vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system. This flaw exists in the web application's handling of user-supplied input that is subsequently used in file inclusion operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of input parameters that are processed by the application's file include mechanisms, creating an opportunity for remote attackers to inject malicious file paths that will be executed by the web server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly validate user input before incorporating it into file inclusion directives. When user data is passed through parameters to file include functions, the application does not adequately filter or sanitize this input to prevent the inclusion of remote files. This creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the input to reference external URLs or file paths that contain malicious code, effectively bypassing the application's intended security boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve arbitrary code execution on the target system. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to install backdoors, escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or compromise the entire application environment. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where such applications are commonly deployed. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-98 which specifically addresses the inclusion of files without proper validation, and represents a significant risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that IBM Planning Analytics is typically deployed in enterprise environments where it may have access to sensitive business planning data and could serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration. Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation controls and monitor for suspicious file inclusion patterns in their web application logs.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patch application from IBM as the primary defense mechanism, followed by network-level restrictions to prevent access to potentially vulnerable endpoints. Input validation and sanitization measures should be strengthened at the application level, with proper parameter validation implemented before any file inclusion operations occur. Additionally, organizations should deploy web application firewalls and implement strict access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable components. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other enterprise applications, as this type of flaw is commonly found in legacy systems that have not been properly updated or secured against modern attack vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper security hardening practices in enterprise web applications.