CVE-2024-39740 in Datacap Navigator
Summary
by MITRE • 07/15/2024
IBM Datacap Navigator 9.1.5, 9.1.6, 9.1.7, 9.1.8, and 9.1.9 displays version information in HTTP requests that could allow an attacker to gather information for future attacks against the system. IBM X-Force ID: 296009.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2024
IBM Datacap Navigator versions 9.1.5 through 9.1.9 contain a vulnerability that exposes version information within HTTP responses, creating an information disclosure risk that can be exploited by threat actors to identify potential attack vectors. This flaw falls under the category of information exposure as defined by CWE-200, where sensitive system details are inadvertently revealed to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes HTTP requests and includes version identifiers in its response headers or content, providing attackers with precise version numbers that can be used to correlate against known exploits and vulnerabilities specific to those releases.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's default configuration where version strings are included in HTTP response metadata, making it easier for attackers to enumerate the exact software stack in use. This information disclosure creates a foundation for more sophisticated attacks as adversaries can leverage the exposed version details to craft targeted exploits against known vulnerabilities within those specific IBM Datacap Navigator releases. The exposure occurs at the protocol level during HTTP communication, making it accessible through standard network reconnaissance tools and techniques that do not require elevated privileges or complex attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it significantly reduces the attack surface by providing threat actors with precise targeting capabilities. When attackers can identify the exact version of IBM Datacap Navigator in use, they can immediately cross-reference this information against vulnerability databases and exploit frameworks to determine which specific vulnerabilities may be applicable. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves privilege escalation through the exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and T1592 which focuses on reconnaissance through information gathering. The exposure of version information creates a direct pathway for attackers to bypass initial reconnaissance phases and proceed directly to exploitation of known weaknesses in those specific versions.
Organizations utilizing IBM Datacap Navigator should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability by configuring the application to remove or obscure version information from HTTP responses. The most effective approach involves modifying the web server configuration to suppress version strings in response headers, which can be achieved through proper HTTP header management and security hardening practices. Additionally, implementing network-level controls such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help monitor and block suspicious reconnaissance attempts. The vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations relying on IBM Datacap Navigator, as it provides attackers with crucial information needed to plan targeted attacks against the system. This exposure violates security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 controls related to information security and system hardening, where proper configuration management and information disclosure controls are essential components of a robust security posture. Organizations should also conduct immediate vulnerability assessments to verify that no other applications within their environment are exposing similar version information, as this type of information disclosure can be exploited across multiple systems within a network infrastructure.