CVE-2019-4174 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

IBM Cognos Controller versions 10.2.0, 10.2.1, 10.3.0, 10.3.1, and 10.4.0 are affected by a vulnerability that allows web pages to be saved locally, potentially enabling unauthorized access. The vulnerability was identified through IBM X-Force as ID 158879.

Understanding CVE-2019-4174

This CVE involves a security vulnerability in IBM Cognos Controller versions 10.2.0, 10.2.1, 10.3.0, 10.3.1, and 10.4.0.

What is CVE-2019-4174?

The vulnerability in the affected versions of IBM Cognos Controller allows web pages to be stored locally, potentially granting access to these pages by unauthorized users on the same system.

The Impact of CVE-2019-4174

The vulnerability poses a medium severity risk with a CVSS base score of 4. It has a low confidentiality impact and no integrity impact. The exploit code maturity is unproven, and user interaction is not required for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-4174

This section provides detailed technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in IBM Cognos Controller versions 10.2.0, 10.2.1, 10.3.0, 10.3.1, and 10.4.0 allows web pages to be saved locally, potentially leading to unauthorized access.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Cognos Controller
Vendor: IBM
Affected Versions: 10.2.0, 10.2.1, 10.3.0, 10.3.1, 10.4.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Local
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: None
Scope: Unchanged
Exploit Code Maturity: Unproven

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-4174 requires immediate action and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply official fixes provided by IBM for the affected versions.
Monitor for any unauthorized access to locally stored web pages.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch IBM Cognos Controller to prevent vulnerabilities.
Implement access controls to restrict unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Patching and Updates

Ensure all systems running affected versions of IBM Cognos Controller are updated with the official fixes.