CVE-2013-3993
IBM InfoSphere BigInsights Invalid Input Vulnerability
Description
CVE-2013-3993 is an input validation vulnerability in IBM InfoSphere BigInsights that allows attackers to submit invalid input to certain APIs, potentially gaining unauthorized access to read, write, modify, or delete data. The vulnerability affects the BigInsights platform, a big data analytics solution, and can be exploited to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data processed by the system. CISA has confirmed active exploitation by including CVE-2013-3993 in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog and has flagged it as associated with ransomware campaigns. The affected product has reached end of life, and CISA recommends disconnecting it if still in use.
KEV Information
CVSS Score
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:NOpen in CalculatorAffected Products
| Vendor | Product | Version |
|---|---|---|
| ibm | infosphere biginsights | < 2.1.0.3 |
References
- http://secunia.com/advisories/59676(Broken Link)
- http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg21677445(Vendor Advisory)
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/68449(Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/84982(Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2013-3993(US Government Resource)
Weakness Type
Since no specific CWE has been assigned to CVE-2013-3993, the underlying weakness type remains formally unspecified. However, the vulnerability is characterized by improper input validation in the BigInsights API layer, where certain API endpoints accept invalid or malicious input that should be rejected. This class of vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate API behavior in unintended ways, bypassing access controls and performing unauthorized data operations.
Impact Analysis
CVE-2013-3993 allows attackers to submit crafted input to IBM InfoSphere BigInsights APIs, potentially gaining unauthorized read, write, modify, and delete access to data managed by the platform. The impact spans all three security domains: confidentiality is compromised through unauthorized data access, integrity through the ability to modify or inject data, and availability through potential data deletion. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because BigInsights is a big data analytics platform that typically processes large volumes of sensitive business data. The EPSS percentile of 95.6% indicates high exploitation likelihood, and CISA's designation of known ransomware association means this vulnerability has been leveraged in ransomware operations to gain initial access or escalate privileges within target environments.
Exploit Maturity
CISA has confirmed active exploitation of CVE-2013-3993 by including it in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog with a remediation deadline of June 15, 2022. Critically, CISA has flagged this vulnerability as having a known association with ransomware campaigns, indicating it has been used as part of ransomware attack chains. The EPSS percentile of 95.6% confirms high exploitation likelihood. The fact that the affected product (IBM InfoSphere BigInsights) has reached end of life and no longer receives security updates makes any remaining deployments permanently vulnerable, further increasing the risk for organizations that have not yet decommissioned this software.
Remediation
- Disconnect IBM InfoSphere BigInsights from all networks immediately if it is still in use. CISA's required action states: "The impacted product is end-of-life and should be disconnected if still in use."
- Migrate all data and workloads from BigInsights to a supported big data analytics platform that receives active security updates.
- If immediate disconnection is not possible, isolate the BigInsights deployment behind strict network segmentation, allowing access only from essential internal systems with no external connectivity.
- Audit all data stored in and processed by the BigInsights platform for signs of unauthorized access, modification, or exfiltration, particularly given the ransomware association.
- Review and revoke any credentials, API keys, or service accounts associated with the BigInsights deployment, as they may have been compromised through the vulnerable API endpoints.
Technical Details
CVE-2013-3993 targets the API layer of IBM InfoSphere BigInsights, where certain API endpoints fail to properly validate input parameters. The lack of input validation allows an attacker to submit crafted requests that bypass intended access controls and perform unauthorized operations on the underlying data. The attack vector involves sending specially crafted API requests that exploit the insufficient input validation to gain read, write, modify, or delete access to data within the BigInsights platform. Since the product has reached end of life, no further patches or security updates will be released to address this or any other vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the risks associated with continued use of end-of-life software in production environments, particularly for data platforms that handle sensitive business information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2013-3993 being actively exploited?
Yes, CISA has confirmed active exploitation of CVE-2013-3993 and has flagged it as associated with ransomware campaigns. The EPSS percentile of 95.6% indicates high exploitation probability. Organizations still running IBM InfoSphere BigInsights should treat this as a critical priority.
What products are affected by CVE-2013-3993?
CVE-2013-3993 affects IBM InfoSphere BigInsights, a big data analytics platform. The product has reached end of life and no longer receives security updates from IBM. Any remaining deployments are permanently vulnerable to this and potentially other security issues.
How do I fix CVE-2013-3993?
Since IBM InfoSphere BigInsights has reached end of life, the recommended action is to disconnect the product from all networks and migrate to a supported platform. CISA explicitly states that the impacted product should be disconnected if still in use. No security patches are available.
How severe is CVE-2013-3993?
CVE-2013-3993 has an EPSS percentile of 95.6% and is associated with ransomware campaigns according to CISA. The vulnerability allows unauthorized data access, modification, and deletion through API manipulation. The end-of-life status of the affected product means there is no fix available, making continued use extremely risky.
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