CVE-2018-1542 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

IBM FileNet Content Manager, IBM Content Foundation, and IBM Case Foundation Administration Console for Content Platform Engine (ACCE) versions 5.2.1 and 5.5.0 are vulnerable to an XML External Entity Injection (XXE) attack, potentially leading to the exposure of sensitive information or memory resource consumption.

Understanding CVE-2018-1542

This CVE involves an XML data processing vulnerability in IBM FileNet Content Manager, IBM Content Foundation, and IBM Case Foundation Administration Console for Content Platform Engine (ACCE) versions 5.2.1 and 5.5.0.

What is CVE-2018-1542?

The vulnerability allows for the possibility of an XML External Entity Injection (XXE) attack, which could be exploited by a remote attacker to disclose sensitive information or consume memory resources.

The Impact of CVE-2018-1542

CVSS Score: 7.1 (High)
Attack Vector: Network
Confidentiality Impact: High
Availability Impact: Low
Exploit Code Maturity: Unproven
Remediation Level: Official Fix
This vulnerability has a base severity rating of High due to its potential impact on confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-1542

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in IBM FileNet Content Manager, IBM Content Foundation, and IBM Case Foundation Administration Console for Content Platform Engine (ACCE) versions 5.2.1 and 5.5.0 allows for an XXE attack when processing XML data.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Systems: IBM FileNet Content Manager, IBM Content Foundation, IBM Case Foundation Administration Console for Content Platform Engine (ACCE)
Affected Versions: 5.2.1, 5.5.0

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability could be exploited remotely by injecting malicious XML entities to either reveal sensitive information or exhaust memory resources.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-1542 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply official fixes provided by IBM to address the vulnerability.
Monitor IBM's security advisories for updates and patches.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch IBM FileNet P8 Platform and related components.
Implement network security measures to prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Ensure all affected systems are updated with the latest security patches from IBM to mitigate the XXE vulnerability.