CVE-2023-25921: Exploiting File Upload Vulnerability in IBM Security Guardium Key Lifecycle Manager

In the world of information security, new vulnerabilities are discovered regularly. It is the responsibility of cybersecurity professionals to act swiftly and address these issues, ensuring the safety and integrity of the systems they protect. Recently, a new critical vulnerability was discovered in the IBM Security Guardium Key Lifecycle Manager, identified as CVE-2023-25921. This post will provide an in-depth look at this vulnerability, including code snippets, links to original references, and exploit details.

Background

IBM Security Guardium Key Lifecycle Manager (SKLM) is a software solution designed to centralize, simplify, and automate the encryption key management process. The versions impacted by this vulnerability are 3., 3..1, 4., 4.1, and 4.1.1. The vulnerability allows an attacker to upload or transfer dangerous file types that can be automatically processed within the product's environment. IBM X-Force ID of the vulnerability is 247620.

Exploit Details

The vulnerability in the IBM Security Guardium Key Lifecycle Manager application allows an attacker to upload or transfer files of dangerous types that can be automatically processed within the product's environment. This enables an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system, potentially leading to a compromise of the application and associated data.

Identify a vulnerable version of IBM SKLM.

2. Craft a malicious file, such as a script, archive, or executable, that contains the payload for the exploit.

Interact with the application, uploading or transferring the crafted file to the system.

4. Trigger the automatic processing of the uploaded file to execute the payload and exploit the vulnerability.

Code Snippet

The following code snippet simulates the interaction with the vulnerable IBM SKLM application to upload a malicious file:

import requests

url = 'https://target-ibm-sklm.example.com/upload';
filename = 'malicious_file.txt'
payload = '<-- Insert malicious payload here -->'

files = {'file': (filename, payload)}
response = requests.post(url, files=files)

if response.status_code == 200:
    print('File uploaded successfully.')
else:
    print('Error uploading file.')

IBM has released advisories and updates to address this vulnerability

1. IBM Security Bulletin - Security Vulnerabilities in Guardium Key Lifecycle Manager...
2. National Vulnerability Database - CVE-2023-25921

Mitigation

To protect against this vulnerability, users of affected IBM SKLM versions should apply the relevant patches and updates provided by IBM. Additionally, access controls should be reviewed to ensure that only authorized users have the ability to upload files and interact with the vulnerable components.

In summary, CVE-2023-25921 is a critical vulnerability in IBM Security Guardium Key Lifecycle Manager, allowing an attacker to upload dangerous files that ultimately lead to arbitrary code execution. This post provided a detailed analysis of the vulnerability, original references, and exploit details. By understanding and addressing such vulnerabilities, organizations can enhance their security posture and better protect their systems and data.

Timeline

Published on: 02/29/2024 01:38:24 UTC
Last modified on: 02/29/2024 13:49:47 UTC