CVE-2022-22349 in Sterling External Authentication Server
Summary
by MITRE • 02/24/2022
IBM Sterling External Authentication Server 3.4.3.2, 6.0.2.0, and 6.0.3.0 is vulnerable to path traversals, due to not properly validating RESTAPI configuration data. An authorized user could import invalid data which could be used for an attack. IBM X-Force ID: 220144.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-22349 affects IBM Sterling External Authentication Server versions 3.4.3.2, 6.0.2.0, and 6.0.3.0, representing a critical path traversal flaw that stems from inadequate validation of RESTAPI configuration data. This weakness allows authenticated users to exploit the system by importing malformed configuration data that can subsequently be leveraged to execute unauthorized file system operations. The vulnerability resides in the server's insufficient input sanitization mechanisms, which fail to properly validate and sanitize the data submitted through the RESTAPI interface during configuration import processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of user-supplied data within the configuration import functionality of the authentication server. When an authorized user submits RESTAPI configuration data, the system does not adequately validate the paths or file references contained within the submitted data structure. This validation gap enables an attacker to craft malicious configuration payloads that contain directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that can be exploited to access or manipulate files outside of the intended directory boundaries. The flaw operates at the application layer and specifically targets the server's configuration management subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by users who already possess legitimate authentication credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple path traversal capabilities, as it can enable attackers to access sensitive configuration files, credentials, or system resources that should remain protected. An authenticated user with access to the RESTAPI configuration import functionality could potentially read arbitrary files from the server's file system, including system configuration files, database connection details, or other sensitive information that could be used for further exploitation or privilege escalation. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to data breaches, system compromise, or unauthorized access to protected resources within the authentication infrastructure, particularly affecting organizations that rely heavily on the Sterling External Authentication Server for their identity management processes.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches and updates that address the path traversal validation issues within the RESTAPI configuration import functionality. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the scope of users who can access the RESTAPI configuration import features, while also implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures at the application level. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file system access patterns or configuration import activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and represents a significant concern in the context of the ATT&CK framework under the Privilege Escalation and Defense Evasion tactics, as it enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially escalate their privileges within the authentication infrastructure.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and sanitization in authentication systems, where even authorized users with legitimate access can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to system resources. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their authentication infrastructure to identify similar validation gaps and ensure that all user-supplied data is properly validated before being processed by the system. Regular security updates and vulnerability management processes should be maintained to address similar issues that may arise in other components of the authentication infrastructure, particularly those handling configuration data through API interfaces. The flaw also highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of API endpoints, including thorough validation of file paths and system resource access patterns within configuration management functions.