CVE-2023-40363 in InfoSphere Information Server
Summary
by MITRE • 11/18/2023
IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.7 could allow an authenticated user to change installation files due to incorrect file permission settings. IBM X-Force ID: 263332.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2023
IBM InfoSphere Information Server version 11.7 contains a critical privilege escalation vulnerability that arises from improper file permission configurations within the installation directory structure. This flaw allows authenticated users to manipulate critical system files that should remain protected from modification by standard user accounts. The vulnerability stems from inadequate access control mechanisms that fail to properly restrict write permissions on essential installation components, creating a path for unauthorized file tampering that could compromise the integrity of the entire information server environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the misconfiguration of file system permissions where installation files and directories are assigned overly permissive access controls. Attackers with legitimate authentication credentials can leverage this weakness to modify core system binaries, configuration files, and script components that govern the server's operation. This misconfiguration creates a scenario where standard user privileges can be exploited to gain elevated system access through file system manipulation. The flaw specifically affects the installation directory hierarchy where critical components are stored with insufficient permission restrictions that should normally require administrative privileges for modification.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to enterprise data integrity and system security. An authenticated attacker could potentially modify installation files to inject malicious code, alter system behavior, or create backdoors for persistent access. The compromised system could experience unauthorized data processing, altered data flows, or complete service disruption depending on which files are modified. Organizations utilizing IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.7 face potential data breaches, system compromise, and regulatory compliance violations that could result in substantial financial and reputational damage.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permission assignment, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1548.001 for privilege escalation through modification of system binaries. Organizations should immediately implement the vendor-provided security patches and consider conducting comprehensive permission audits of the installation directories. Additional mitigations include implementing mandatory access controls, regular file integrity monitoring, and restricting user privileges to the minimum necessary for operational requirements. System administrators should also review and tighten file system permissions across all installation directories to prevent unauthorized modifications while maintaining legitimate operational functionality.