Unveiling the critical risks of CVE-2024-52902 in IBM Cognos Controller, focusing on the perils of hardcoded database passwords and the importance of using static code analysis tools for detection.
CVE-2024-52902 represents a significant vulnerability found within IBM Cognos Controller, specifically affecting versions 11.0.0 through 11.0.1 FP3 and 11.1.0 client applications. This vulnerability arises from hardcoded database credentials in the software's source code, which can be readily exploited by malicious actors.
Hardcoded passwords embedded within the code expose systems to unauthorized access, making it easier for attackers to gain entry into the database. This issue poses an immediate and critical threat to the integrity and confidentiality of financial data managed by IBM Cognos Controller.
The presence of hardcoded database passwords in IBM Cognos Controller has far-reaching implications for businesses. Unauthorized access to sensitive financial data can lead to severe data breaches, causing substantial financial and reputational damage.
Moreover, this vulnerability can result in regulatory compliance issues, such as violations of GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2 standards. Companies could face hefty fines and sanctions if found in non-compliance due to improper credential handling. The risk of insider threats and privilege escalation further exacerbates the potential negative impact on business operations.
CVE-2024-52902 exposes hardcoded database credentials in IBM Cognos Controller (versions 11.0.0 - 11.0.1 FP3, 11.1.0), creating a serious security risk. Attackers can extract, exploit, and leverage these credentials to gain unauthorized access, manipulate financial data, or move laterally within enterprise networks.
Attackers use decompilers (IDA Pro, Ghidra, Radare2) to extract database credentials embedded in the IBM Cognos client application. Once retrieved, these credentials can be used to directly access financial databases without authentication.
If hardcoded credentials exist in configuration files or source code, attackers can detect them using automated scanning tools such as:
💡 Example: A developer commits a Cognos configuration file with hardcoded database credentials to a private repository. If the repo is ever exposed, attackers can extract the credentials and infiltrate critical systems.
Many organizations reuse database credentials across multiple services. Once attackers obtain a Cognos database password, they attempt to use it on VPNs, cloud services, and other corporate systems.
🚨 Example Attack Chain:
1️⃣ Extract hardcoded database password from Cognos Controller.
2️⃣ Attempt login on cloud services (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) using the same credentials.
3️⃣ Gain administrator access if credentials are reused, compromising additional systems.
Even if credentials aren’t in plain text, attackers can easily decrypt weakly encoded passwords. They also check for hardcoded credentials stored in local .ini or .xml config files, which can be accessed if file permissions are weak.
To combat the risks associated with hardcoded credentials, businesses must implement effective detection strategies using static code analysis tools. Automated code scanning can identify embedded passwords, helping to prevent potential exploits before they occur.
SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems should be employed to monitor for suspicious database login attempts. Additionally, regular penetration testing can simulate real-world scenarios, providing insights into how vulnerabilities might be exploited and offering a proactive approach to cybersecurity.
Mitigating the risks posed by CVE-2024-52902 requires swift and decisive action. First and foremost, IBM recommends upgrading affected versions of Cognos Controller to eliminate the vulnerability. Removing hardcoded credentials and replacing them with environment variables or secure vaults such as AWS Secrets Manager or HashiCorp Vault is crucial.
Implementing role-based access control (RBAC) for database authentication further enhances security, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive data. Continuous monitoring for unauthorized access, coupled with the use of SIEM tools like Splunk and Microsoft Sentinel, can help detect and respond to suspicious activities in real-time.
For more detailed information on CVE-2024-52902, refer to the IBM Security Advisory. Additional resources such as the OWASP Hardcoded Secrets Guide and MITRE ATT&CK Credential Access Techniques provide valuable insights into best practices for handling and securing credentials.
Tools like GitLeaks are instrumental in detecting hardcoded credentials, and leveraging these resources can significantly enhance your organization’s cybersecurity posture.
🔹 IBM Security Advisory – CVE-2024-52902 – Official IBM advisory detailing the vulnerability, affected versions, and recommended mitigations.
🔹 OWASP Hardcoded Secrets Guide – Best practices for avoiding hardcoded credentials in applications and securing sensitive data.
🔹 MITRE ATT&CK – Credential Access Techniques – A comprehensive framework outlining attack techniques used to exploit exposed credentials.