CVE-2024-45652 in Maximo Asset Management
Summary
by MITRE • 01/19/2025
IBM Maximo MXAPIASSET API 7.6.1.3 could allow a remote attacker to traverse directories on the system. An attacker could send a specially crafted URL request containing "dot dot" sequences (/../) to view arbitrary files on the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-45652 affects IBM Maximo MXAPIASSET API version 7.6.1.3, presenting a critical directory traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation within the API's URL parsing mechanism, which fails to properly sanitize user-supplied paths containing directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability specifically manifests when an attacker crafts malicious URL requests incorporating "dot dot" sequences such as /../ or %2e%2e%2f, which are commonly used to navigate upward through directory structures in web applications. The flaw resides in the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize file path inputs, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially confidential business information stored outside the intended application scope.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of API endpoints that process file path parameters without proper sanitization. When the MXAPIASSET API receives a request containing directory traversal sequences, the system fails to validate the input against a whitelist of acceptable paths or properly canonicalize the requested file paths. This allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and navigate to directories outside the intended application boundaries. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access system files, application configuration files, database credentials, and other sensitive data that should remain protected from unauthorized access. The impact extends beyond simple file access, potentially enabling attackers to gather intelligence about the system's internal structure, access source code repositories, or obtain credentials stored in configuration files.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-45652 is substantial, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform reconnaissance and potentially escalate their privileges within the affected environment. Organizations running IBM Maximo MXAPIASSET API 7.6.1.3 are at risk of data breaches, system compromise, and regulatory compliance violations due to unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to leverage the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in cloud environments or when the API is exposed to untrusted networks. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing for Information), as attackers can systematically enumerate and extract sensitive files from the system. The attack surface is particularly concerning for organizations that rely on Maximo for asset management, as the compromised system could provide access to critical business data, maintenance records, and operational information that could be used for further attacks or business disruption.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, beginning with applying the latest security patches provided by IBM for the MXAPIASSET API. In the absence of immediate patching, network-level controls such as web application firewalls can be configured to detect and block requests containing directory traversal sequences in URL parameters. Input validation mechanisms should be strengthened to ensure that all file path inputs are properly sanitized and validated against a strict whitelist of acceptable paths. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and principle of least privilege configurations can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that the implemented mitigations are effective and that no other similar vulnerabilities exist within the application's codebase. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in web applications and the necessity of following secure coding practices to prevent common attack vectors that have been well-documented in security frameworks and standards.