CVE-2024-39751 in InfoSphere Information Server
Summary
by MITRE • 08/06/2024
IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.7 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: 297429
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2024
IBM InfoSphere Information Server version 11.7 contains a vulnerability that exposes sensitive system information through detailed error messages returned to web browsers. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that can provide attackers with valuable insights into the underlying system architecture and operational environment. The vulnerability occurs when the application generates technical error responses that contain system-specific details, including but not limited to internal paths, component names, version numbers, and potentially database connection information. Such exposure creates a significant risk as it provides threat actors with the foundational knowledge required to plan more sophisticated attacks against the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling mechanisms within the web application layer of IBM InfoSphere Information Server. When certain conditions are met during processing, the system generates verbose error responses that include stack traces, internal system paths, and component-specific information. These detailed messages bypass normal security controls and are transmitted directly to the client browser without proper sanitization or filtering. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure Through an Error Message" and represents a common pattern in web applications where error handling does not properly separate internal system information from externally visible responses.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates opportunities for attackers to conduct reconnaissance and planning activities against the target environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gather intelligence about the system's configuration, potentially identifying version-specific weaknesses, internal network structures, and system components that may be vulnerable to other attack vectors. This information can be leveraged to craft more targeted attacks, including but not limited to exploiting known vulnerabilities in specific component versions, conducting network mapping exercises, or identifying potential entry points for privilege escalation. The exposure of system internals can also facilitate social engineering attacks by providing attackers with realistic technical details to impersonate legitimate system components or administrators.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability fits within the initial access and reconnaissance phase of the kill chain as described by the ATT&CK framework. The information obtained through this vulnerability can be used to identify system weaknesses and plan subsequent attack phases including credential theft, privilege escalation, and data exfiltration. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability does not require authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by any remote attacker with access to the web interface. The exposure of internal system paths and component names can also aid in bypassing security controls that rely on obscurity or lack of knowledge about the system's internal structure.
Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigations including the implementation of generic error handling mechanisms that do not expose internal system details to end users. The system should be configured to return standardized error messages that provide minimal information to users while maintaining detailed logging for administrative purposes. Security patches from IBM should be applied immediately to address the root cause of the vulnerability, and organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls or security monitoring tools that can detect and block attempts to trigger these error conditions. Additionally, regular security assessments should include testing for information disclosure vulnerabilities in all web applications to prevent similar issues from occurring in other system components.