CVE-2022-22363 in Controller
Summary
by MITRE • 01/07/2025
IBM Cognos Controller 11.0.0 through 11.0.1 and IBM Controller 11.1.0 could allow a remote attacker to obtain sensitive information when a detailed technical error message is returned in the browser. This information could be used in further attacks against the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2025
IBM Cognos Controller versions 11.0.0 through 11.0.1 and IBM Controller 11.1.0 contain a vulnerability that exposes sensitive system information through detailed error messages returned to web browsers. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that aligns with CWE-209, which specifically addresses the exposure of detailed error messages that may contain system internals, configuration details, or other sensitive data. The vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize error responses, allowing attackers to access technical information that would normally be hidden from end users. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1212, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain information about the system's internal state and configuration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's error handling mechanisms not adequately filtering or masking sensitive information within error responses. When system errors occur during user interactions or API calls, the application returns comprehensive stack traces, internal file paths, database connection details, or other diagnostic information directly to the client browser. This exposure creates a significant attack surface as malicious actors can analyze these detailed error messages to understand the underlying system architecture, identify potential weak points, and develop more sophisticated attack strategies. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote exploitation without requiring authentication or privileged access, making it accessible to any attacker who can interact with the web application interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed details can facilitate subsequent attacks within the attack chain. Attackers can leverage the disclosed information to craft targeted attacks against specific system components, identify version-specific vulnerabilities, or map the application's architecture for more advanced exploitation techniques. The presence of such detailed error information undermines the principle of least privilege and can reveal internal system configurations that should remain hidden from external parties. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations using IBM Cognos Controller for financial reporting and business intelligence, where the exposed information could include data access patterns, system configurations, or integration points that could be exploited to compromise sensitive business data.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including configuring the application to return generic error messages to users while maintaining detailed logging for administrators. The recommended approach involves implementing proper error handling that sanitizes responses before delivery to clients, ensuring that only minimal, non-sensitive information is displayed to end users. Security configurations should enforce strict error message filtering and implement centralized logging mechanisms that capture detailed error information internally without exposing it to external users. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to verify that error handling mechanisms are properly configured and that no sensitive information is inadvertently exposed through various application interfaces. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper error handling as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and other security frameworks that emphasize the need to prevent information leakage through application responses.