CVE-2023-25682 in Sterling B2B Integrator Standard Edition
Summary
by MITRE • 11/22/2023
IBM Sterling B2B Integrator Standard Edition 6.0.0.0 through 6.0.3.8 and 6.1.0.0 through 6.1.2.1 stores potentially sensitive information in log files that could be read by a local user. IBM X-Force ID: 247034.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2023
IBM Sterling B2B Integrator Standard Edition versions 6.0.0.0 through 6.0.3.8 and 6.1.0.0 through 6.1.2.1 contain a vulnerability that allows local users to access potentially sensitive information stored in log files. This issue falls under the category of information exposure through log files, which aligns with CWE-532 and CWE-200. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of sensitive data during logging operations, where credentials, session tokens, or other confidential information may be written to log files without adequate sanitization or access controls.
The technical flaw occurs when the system generates log entries that contain sensitive data elements such as authentication tokens, encrypted passwords, or personal identification information. These log files are typically stored in accessible locations on the filesystem where local users with minimal privileges can read them. The vulnerability represents a significant security risk as it enables privilege escalation and data theft scenarios. Attackers can exploit this weakness by simply accessing the log directories and examining the contents for valuable information that could be used for further attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure. Local users who gain access to these log files can potentially extract credentials, session identifiers, or other confidential data that may be used to impersonate legitimate users or gain unauthorized access to additional systems. This creates a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the vulnerable software is installed. The vulnerability affects both the 6.0 and 6.1 release lines of IBM Sterling B2B Integrator, indicating it is a widespread issue across multiple versions of the software.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including restricting file system access to log directories, implementing proper log sanitization procedures, and ensuring that sensitive data is not written to log files in cleartext format. The recommended approach involves configuring the logging system to strip or encrypt sensitive fields before writing to log files, as well as implementing proper access controls that limit who can read these files. This aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular audits of log file contents to ensure no sensitive information is being inadvertently exposed. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and output sanitization in security-conscious applications, particularly in enterprise integration platforms where data confidentiality is paramount.