CVE-2023-50327 in PowerSC
Summary
by MITRE • 02/02/2024
IBM PowerSC 1.3, 2.0, and 2.1 uses insecure HTTP methods which could allow a remote attacker to perform unauthorized file request modification. IBM X-Force ID: 275109.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-50327 affects IBM PowerSC versions 1.3, 2.0, and 2.1, representing a critical security flaw in the system's web interface that enables remote attackers to manipulate file requests through insecure HTTP methods. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object reference issues and weak access control mechanisms, creating potential pathways for unauthorized data access and modification. The affected IBM PowerSC systems utilize HTTP methods that do not properly validate user permissions or implement adequate security controls, allowing malicious actors to exploit these weaknesses from remote locations without requiring authentication credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly enforce access controls when processing file requests through HTTP protocols. Attackers can leverage insecure HTTP methods such as GET, PUT, or DELETE operations to directly manipulate file paths and access restricted resources within the system's file structure. This flaw enables unauthorized file modification, deletion, or retrieval of sensitive data that should only be accessible to authorized personnel. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the web application layer where HTTP requests are processed, allowing attackers to bypass traditional authentication mechanisms and directly interact with the underlying file system through malformed or improperly validated requests.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations utilizing IBM PowerSC systems, as it could lead to data breaches, unauthorized system modifications, and potential service disruption. The insecure HTTP methods provide attackers with multiple attack vectors to exploit the system, potentially allowing them to escalate privileges, access confidential information, or modify critical system files. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or network, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on these systems for critical infrastructure management. The vulnerability could also enable attackers to establish persistent access points within the network, potentially leading to broader compromise of connected systems.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling or restricting insecure HTTP methods, implementing proper input validation and access controls, and applying the latest security patches provided by IBM. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, and it maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting through insecure protocols. Security teams should conduct thorough network monitoring to detect suspicious HTTP request patterns and implement web application firewalls to filter malicious traffic. Additionally, organizations should review and strengthen their authentication mechanisms, implement least privilege access controls, and ensure that all HTTP methods are properly validated and authorized before processing file requests. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be performed to identify similar insecure implementations within the broader system infrastructure.