CVE-2024-54169
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to perform directory traversal attacks on IBM EntireX 11.1 systems. By sending specially crafted URL requests containing 'dot dot' sequences (/../), attackers can access arbitrary files on the server. This affects organizations using IBM EntireX 11.1 with authenticated access to the vulnerable component.
💻 Affected Systems
- IBM EntireX
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could access sensitive system files, configuration files, or application data, potentially leading to credential theft, data exfiltration, or further system compromise.
Likely Case
Attackers with valid credentials could read sensitive configuration files, log files, or application data stored on the server filesystem.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and file system permissions, impact would be limited to files accessible by the application service account.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access. The vulnerability involves simple directory traversal techniques that are well-understood in the security community.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Apply fix as described in IBM advisory
Vendor Advisory: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7184194
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review IBM advisory at the provided URL
2. Apply the recommended fix from IBM
3. Restart affected EntireX services
4. Verify the fix is applied correctly
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Access Controls
allImplement strict access controls to limit which users can access the vulnerable EntireX components.
Input Validation
allImplement input validation to reject URL requests containing directory traversal sequences.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate EntireX systems from sensitive data stores
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules to block directory traversal patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if running IBM EntireX 11.1 and review configuration for exposed components that accept URL input.Check Version:
Consult IBM EntireX documentation for version checking commands specific to your installation.Verify Fix Applied:
After applying IBM's fix, test that directory traversal attempts are properly rejected and no longer allow file access.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- URL requests containing '/../' or similar directory traversal patterns
- Unusual file access patterns from authenticated users
- Failed file access attempts outside expected directories
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with directory traversal sequences in URLs
- Unusual file download patterns from the EntireX server
SIEM Query:
source="entirex_logs" AND (url="*../*" OR url="*..\\*" OR url="*%2e%2e%2f*")