CVE-2020-4561 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2020-4561, a critical vulnerability in IBM Cognos Analytics versions 11.0 and 11.1, allowing unauthorized access to the system. Find mitigation steps and patching details here.
IBM Cognos Analytics 11.0 and 11.1 DQM API allows submitting all control requests in unauthenticated sessions, enabling remote attackers to read and write files to the system.
Understanding CVE-2020-4561
IBM Cognos Analytics versions 11.0 and 11.1 are affected by a critical vulnerability that allows unauthorized access to the system.
What is CVE-2020-4561?
This CVE refers to a security flaw in IBM Cognos Analytics versions 11.0 and 11.1 that permits remote attackers to manipulate control requests without authentication, potentially leading to unauthorized file access.
The Impact of CVE-2020-4561
The vulnerability poses a critical threat with high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the Cognos Analytics system, potentially allowing attackers to compromise sensitive data.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-4561
The vulnerability is detailed with a CVSSv3 base score of 10 (Critical).
Vulnerability Description
- CVE ID: CVE-2020-4561
- CVSS Base Score: 10 (Critical)
- Attack Vector: Network
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Privileges Required: None
- Exploit Code Maturity: Unproven
- Impact: High
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Cognos Analytics
- Vendor: IBM
- Versions: 11.0, 11.1
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability allows attackers to submit control requests in unauthenticated sessions, granting them unauthorized access to read and write files on the Cognos Analytics system.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate action is crucial to secure the system and prevent exploitation.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply official fixes provided by IBM to address the vulnerability.
- Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities.
- Restrict network access to the Cognos Analytics system.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch the Cognos Analytics software.
- Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- IBM has released official fixes to address the vulnerability in Cognos Analytics versions 11.0 and 11.1.