CVE-2023-42013 in UrbanCode Deploy
Summary
by MITRE • 12/20/2023
IBM UrbanCode Deploy (UCD) 7.1 through 7.1.2.14, 7.2 through 7.2.3.7, and 7.3 through 7.3.2.2 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. IBM X-Force ID: 265510.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2023
IBM UrbanCode Deploy versions 7.1 through 7.1.2.14, 7.2 through 7.2.3.7, and 7.3 through 7.3.2.2 contain a vulnerability that exposes sensitive system information through detailed error messages returned to web browsers. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability where the application fails to properly sanitize error responses, allowing attackers to gain insights into the underlying system architecture, configuration details, and potentially sensitive data structures. The vulnerability falls under CWE-209, which specifically addresses the exposure of error information, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212 for Exploitation for Credential Access. When a user interacts with the UCD system and encounters an error condition, the server responds with verbose error messages that contain technical details about the system's internal state, including stack traces, database connection information, and potentially file paths. This information leakage creates an ideal scenario for attackers to map the application's architecture and identify potential attack vectors. The exposure occurs specifically during web-based interactions where the system's error handling mechanism does not adequately filter or obfuscate sensitive details before presenting them to end users through browser interfaces. Attackers can leverage this information to craft more sophisticated attacks targeting specific system components, potentially leading to privilege escalation or further exploitation of the platform. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because UrbanCode Deploy is used for application deployment and release management, making it a critical component in enterprise environments where access to deployment systems can provide significant attack surface for lateral movement and privilege abuse. The technical nature of the flaw indicates that the error handling code path in the web application layer does not implement proper sanitization of error messages before transmission to client browsers, creating a direct information leakage channel.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to perform reconnaissance activities that would otherwise require more complex and time-consuming techniques. When an attacker can access detailed error messages, they gain knowledge about the application's internal workings, including database schema information, server configuration details, and potentially the presence of specific software versions or libraries. This intelligence can be used to identify other vulnerabilities within the same system or related components that may not be directly exposed through normal user interfaces. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or network-level privileges to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple users interact with the system. The IBM X-Force ID 265510 associated with this vulnerability indicates that security researchers have recognized the severity and potential for exploitation. Organizations using these affected versions of UrbanCode Deploy should consider the possibility that attackers may be actively exploiting this information disclosure channel to gather intelligence for more targeted attacks. The vulnerability represents a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege during error handling, where the system exposes more information than necessary to the user interface, creating opportunities for attackers to understand the system's internal state and potential weaknesses.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper error handling mechanisms that sanitize all error messages before transmission to client interfaces. Organizations should configure their UrbanCode Deploy installations to return generic error messages to users while logging detailed technical information internally for administrators. This approach follows the principle of providing minimal information to end users while maintaining comprehensive logging for security analysis. The implementation should include filtering of stack traces, database connection details, and file system paths from error responses. System administrators should also implement network-level controls to monitor and restrict access to error message endpoints, particularly those that may reveal sensitive system information. Regular security assessments should include testing for information disclosure vulnerabilities in web applications, with particular attention to error handling behaviors. The remediation process involves updating to patched versions of IBM UrbanCode Deploy where the error handling has been corrected to prevent sensitive information exposure. Additionally, organizations should conduct security awareness training for developers to ensure proper error handling practices are implemented in all web applications, following secure coding guidelines that prevent information leakage through error responses. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of defensive programming practices and the need for comprehensive security testing that includes evaluating error handling behaviors as part of the overall security posture assessment.