IBM has recently addressed a critical vulnerability in its IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.7, as detailed in the NCSC-2025-0093 advisory. The flaw, identified as CVE-2024-51459, involves improper handling of permissions within the server, potentially allowing local users to execute privileged commands. This could lead to unauthorized actions, compromising the integrity of the system. The vulnerability has been assigned a medium risk level with a high potential for damage, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on this software.
TL;DR: Key Points
- Vulnerability ID: CVE-2024-51459
- Affected Product: IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.7
- Risk Level: Medium (Probability), High (Damage)
- Impact: Local users can execute privileged commands, leading to unauthorized actions.
- Patch Status: IBM has released updates to mitigate the vulnerability.
Technical Breakdown of the Vulnerability
The vulnerability resides in the way IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.7 manages permissions. Specifically, the flaw allows local users to bypass intended restrictions and execute privileged commands. This could enable unauthorized actions, such as modifying system configurations, accessing sensitive data, or disrupting services.
How the Vulnerability Works
- Improper Permission Handling: The server fails to enforce proper privilege checks for local users, allowing them to escalate their permissions.
- Local Exploitation: The vulnerability can only be exploited by users with local access to the system, limiting its scope but still posing a significant risk in environments with multiple users or shared access.
- Potential Impact: Successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or denial of service.
Proof of Concept (PoC)
While no public exploit code is currently available, the vulnerability can be demonstrated through the following hypothetical scenario:
# Hypothetical PoC for CVE-2024-51459
import os
def exploit_local_privilege_escalation():
# Simulate a local user attempting to execute a privileged command
try:
os.system("sudo privileged_command") # Example of a privileged command
print("Privileged command executed successfully.")
except Exception as e:
print(f"Exploit failed: {e}")
exploit_local_privilege_escalation()
This script illustrates how a local user might attempt to execute a privileged command, exploiting the improper permission handling in the server.
Relevance to Red Teams, Blue Teams, and SOC Analysts
For Red Teams
- Exploitation Potential: Red Teams can simulate attacks leveraging this vulnerability to test an organization’s defenses against privilege escalation.
- Scenario Testing: Use the vulnerability to demonstrate the impact of insider threats or compromised local accounts.
For Blue Teams and SOC Analysts
- Detection: Monitor for unusual privilege escalation attempts or unauthorized commands executed by local users.
- Mitigation: Apply the latest patches from IBM and enforce strict access controls to limit local user privileges.
For System Administrators
- Patch Management: Ensure that all instances of IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.7 are updated to the latest version.
- Access Control: Review and restrict local user permissions to minimize the attack surface.
Remediation Steps
- Apply Patches: IBM has released updates to address this vulnerability. System administrators should apply these patches immediately.
- Restrict Local Access: Limit the number of users with local access to the server and enforce the principle of least privilege.
- Monitor Logs: Regularly review system logs for signs of unauthorized privilege escalation or suspicious activity.
- Implement Network Segmentation: Isolate critical systems to reduce the risk of lateral movement in case of a breach.
Conclusion
The CVE-2024-51459 vulnerability in IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.7 highlights the importance of proper permission management and timely patch application. While the risk is limited to local users, the potential impact is significant, making it a priority for organizations to address. By applying the recommended patches and implementing robust access controls, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
References
- NCSC Advisories. “[NCSC-2025-0093: Kwetsbaarheid verholpen in IBM InfoSphere Information Server”. Retrieved 2025-03-20.
- Anoniem-Surfen.nl. “[NCSC-2025-0093]1.00]]M/H] Risico vastgesteld in IBM InfoSphere Information Server”. Retrieved 2025-03-20.
- CybersecurityAlert.nl. “[NCSC Beveiligingsadviezen”. Retrieved 2025-03-20.
- Gold ICT. “[Security Nieuws”. Retrieved 2025-03-20.
- A51. “[NCSC Alerts”. Retrieved 2025-03-20.
- AboutICT. “[NCSC-2025-0093 [1.00] [M/H] Kwetsbaarheid verholpen in IBM InfoSphere Information Server”. Retrieved 2025-03-20.
- Edwin Geboers. “[Vrijwaringsverklaring”. LinkedIn. Retrieved 2025-03-20.
