CVE-2024-7577 in InfoSphere Information Server
Summary
by MITRE • 03/29/2025
IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.7 could disclose sensitive user credentials from log files during new installation of the product.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2025
IBM InfoSphere Information Server version 11.7 contains a critical information disclosure vulnerability that allows unauthorized access to sensitive user credentials through log file exposure during the installation process. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and represents a significant security risk that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The flaw specifically occurs during the initial setup phase when the system generates log files that inadvertently contain cleartext credentials, potentially exposing administrative accounts and user authentication details. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566.001 "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" and T1078 "Valid Accounts" as attackers could leverage the exposed credentials to establish persistent access to the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the installation component of IBM InfoSphere Information Server. During the new installation process, the system's logging mechanism fails to properly mask or filter sensitive data before writing it to log files, resulting in the storage of plaintext credentials in accessible log directories. This issue affects the authentication and authorization components of the system, as the installation process typically requires administrative credentials to configure various system parameters. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs during the initial system setup, when security controls may not yet be fully implemented, and the log files are often stored in locations with broad access permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond the immediate installation phase, as compromised credentials could provide attackers with persistent access to the information server and potentially enable lateral movement within the network. System administrators who perform installations may unknowingly expose sensitive information that could be harvested by attackers with access to the system's file system or log management infrastructure. The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers with minimal privileges to access system resources, potentially leading to data breaches, privilege escalation, and unauthorized system modifications. The exposure of administrative credentials during installation could result in complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data repositories managed by IBM InfoSphere Information Server.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including restricting access to log file directories, implementing proper log sanitization procedures, and ensuring that installation processes run with minimal necessary privileges. Security configurations should enforce strict access controls on log file locations and implement automated monitoring for credential exposure in log files. System administrators should conduct thorough log reviews to identify any instances of credential exposure and implement proper credential rotation procedures. According to security best practices, organizations should also consider implementing log file encryption, access logging, and regular security audits to detect and prevent similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation during system installation processes, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines for protecting sensitive information during system lifecycle phases.