CVE-2020-4462 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

IBM Sterling External Authentication Server and Sterling Secure Proxy are vulnerable to an XML External Entity Injection (XXE) attack, potentially leading to sensitive data exposure or resource consumption.

Understanding CVE-2020-4462

IBM Sterling External Authentication Server and Sterling Secure Proxy are affected by an XXE vulnerability that could be exploited by remote attackers.

What is CVE-2020-4462?

CVE-2020-4462 is an XML External Entity Injection (XXE) vulnerability affecting IBM Sterling External Authentication Server and Sterling Secure Proxy versions.

The Impact of CVE-2020-4462

The vulnerability could allow remote attackers to access sensitive information or cause resource depletion by exploiting XML data processing.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-4462

IBM Sterling External Authentication Server and Sterling Secure Proxy versions are susceptible to XXE attacks.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in IBM products allows for XML External Entity Injection, posing a risk of information exposure and resource exhaustion.

Affected Systems and Versions

IBM Sterling Secure Proxy versions 3.4.2, 3.4.3, 2.4.3, 2.4.2, 6.0.1, and 6.0.0
External Authentication Server versions 6.0 and 6.0.1
Sterling External Authentication Server versions 2.4.2 and 2.4.3.2

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely by manipulating XML data to execute XXE attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate action and long-term security practices are crucial to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2020-4462.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply official fixes provided by IBM for the affected versions
Monitor for any unusual activities or unauthorized access

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the software to prevent vulnerabilities
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure

Patching and Updates

IBM has released official fixes for the affected versions to address the XXE vulnerability