CVE-2020-4388 : Security Advisory and Response

IBM Cognos Analytics versions 11.0 and 11.1 are susceptible to a denial of service vulnerability due to exceptions not being caught in a servlet, potentially leading to future attacks.

Understanding CVE-2020-4388

IBM Cognos Analytics 11.0 and 11.1 could be exploited for a denial of service attack, posing a medium severity risk.

What is CVE-2020-4388?

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in IBM Cognos Analytics versions 11.0 and 11.1 that could allow attackers to launch denial of service attacks by exploiting uncaught exceptions in a servlet.

The Impact of CVE-2020-4388

The vulnerability could result in a denial of service attack, potentially disrupting the availability of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-4388

IBM Cognos Analytics 11.0 and 11.1 are affected by a denial of service vulnerability due to uncaught exceptions in a servlet.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in IBM Cognos Analytics versions 11.0 and 11.1 allows attackers to exploit uncaught exceptions in a servlet, potentially leading to denial of service attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Cognos Analytics
Vendor: IBM
Vulnerable Versions: 11.0, 11.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Network
Base Score: 6.5 (Medium)
Exploit Code Maturity: Unproven
Privileges Required: None
Remediation Level: Official Fix

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take:

Apply official patches or fixes provided by IBM.
Monitor IBM's security bulletins for updates and advisories. Long-Term Security Practices:
Regularly update and patch all software and systems.
Implement network security measures to detect and prevent denial of service attacks.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
Educate users and administrators about security best practices.
Consider implementing additional security layers such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
Stay informed about the latest security threats and vulnerabilities.
Backup critical data regularly to prevent data loss.
Implement access controls and least privilege principles to limit exposure to potential attacks.
Consider engaging with cybersecurity professionals for security assessments and guidance.
Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities or anomalies to the appropriate authorities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all IBM Cognos Analytics installations are updated with the latest patches and fixes to mitigate the vulnerability.