CVE-2020-4620
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated remote attackers to upload malicious files to IBM Data Risk Manager (iDNA) due to improper file extension validation. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution on the affected system. Organizations running vulnerable versions of IBM Data Risk Manager 2.0.6 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- IBM Data Risk Manager (iDNA)
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with attacker gaining complete control over the vulnerable server, potentially leading to data theft, lateral movement, or ransomware deployment.
Likely Case
Remote code execution allowing attackers to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the system as a pivot point for further attacks.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation, file upload restrictions, and monitoring preventing successful exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access but is straightforward once credentials are obtained
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.0.6.1 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6335281
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download the latest patch from IBM Fix Central. 2. Apply the patch following IBM's installation instructions. 3. Restart the IBM Data Risk Manager service. 4. Verify the patch was successfully applied.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict File Uploads
allConfigure web application firewall or reverse proxy to block file uploads to vulnerable endpoints
Network Segmentation
allIsolate IBM Data Risk Manager from critical systems and restrict access to authenticated users only
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls to limit who can access the IBM Data Risk Manager interface
- Deploy web application firewall with rules to detect and block malicious file upload attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check IBM Data Risk Manager version via admin console or configuration files. Version 2.0.6 is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check version in IBM Data Risk Manager admin interface or configuration filesVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 2.0.6.1 or later and test file upload functionality with various file extensions.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file upload activity
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful login and file upload
- Execution of unexpected processes
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests to file upload endpoints with unusual file extensions
- Outbound connections from IBM Data Risk Manager to unexpected destinations
SIEM Query:
source="ibm_drm" AND (event_type="file_upload" AND NOT file_extension IN ("jpg","png","pdf")) OR (process_execution AND parent_process="ibm_drm")