CVE-2019-4716
IBM Planning Analytics Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Description
CVE-2019-4716 is a CRITICAL code injection vulnerability in IBM Planning Analytics versions 2.0.0 through 2.0.8, carrying a CVSS 3.1 score of 9.8. The vulnerability allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to exploit a configuration overwrite flaw to log in as "admin" and subsequently execute arbitrary code as root or SYSTEM via TM1 scripting capabilities. Classified under CWE-94, this flaw requires no authentication and no user interaction, making it trivially exploitable. CISA added CVE-2019-4716 to its KEV catalog on November 3, 2021, with a remediation deadline of May 3, 2022. The EPSS score of 0.91532 (99.67th percentile) indicates an extremely high probability of active exploitation.
KEV Information
CVSS Score
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HOpen in CalculatorAffected Products
| Vendor | Product | Version |
|---|---|---|
| ibm | planning analytics | >= 2.0, <= 2.0.8 |
Multiple CVSS Assessments
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/156953/IBM-Cognos-TM1-IBM-Planning-Analytics-Server-Configuration-Overwrite-Code-Execution.html(Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2020/Mar/44(Exploit, Mailing List, Third Party Advisory)
- https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/172094(VDB Entry, Vendor Advisory)
- https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/1127781(Patch, Vendor Advisory)
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2019-4716(US Government Resource)
Weakness Type
CWE-94: Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
Code Injection occurs when software constructs code segments using externally-influenced input without properly neutralizing special elements that could modify the intended code behavior. Unlike OS command injection which targets system shells, code injection targets the programming language interpreter or scripting engine itself, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code within the application context.
In the context of CVE-2019-4716, IBM Planning Analytics contains a configuration overwrite vulnerability that allows an unauthenticated attacker to manipulate the application configuration to gain administrative access. Once logged in as admin, the attacker can leverage the TM1 scripting engine to execute arbitrary code with root or SYSTEM privileges. The TM1 scripting capabilities, designed for legitimate administrative automation, become the code injection vector when combined with the authentication bypass. This two-stage attack chain transforms a configuration weakness into full remote code execution.
Learn more: CWE-94 — Improper Control of Generation of Code
Impact Analysis
CVE-2019-4716 carries a CVSS 3.1 score of 9.8 (CRITICAL) with Unchanged Scope.
Confidentiality (HIGH): Successful exploitation grants root/SYSTEM-level access to the IBM Planning Analytics server, exposing all financial planning data, business forecasts, budgets, strategic plans, and any other sensitive corporate data processed by the platform. The TM1 engine typically holds highly confidential financial information.
Integrity (HIGH): With root-level code execution, attackers can modify financial planning models, alter budget projections, manipulate business forecasts, install persistent backdoors, and tamper with audit trails. Manipulation of planning data could lead to flawed business decisions with significant financial consequences.
Availability (HIGH): Attackers can completely disable the IBM Planning Analytics service, corrupt TM1 databases, delete planning models, or use the compromised server for other malicious purposes, rendering the platform unavailable during critical business planning cycles.
Scope Unchanged: While the CVSS scope is Unchanged (U), the practical impact is severe because IBM Planning Analytics servers frequently have network access to other business systems and databases. A compromised server running as root/SYSTEM provides a powerful pivot point for lateral movement.
With an EPSS score of 0.91532 (99.67th percentile), this vulnerability ranks among the most likely to be exploited across all known CVEs.
Exploit Maturity
CVE-2019-4716 has confirmed active exploitation and is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Exploit status: This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild. Complete exploit code and detailed analysis are publicly available through Packet Storm Security and full disclosure mailing lists. The exploit demonstrates the full attack chain from unauthenticated configuration overwrite to root-level code execution via TM1 scripting.
Ransomware association: As of the latest KEV data, no direct ransomware campaign has been publicly linked to CVE-2019-4716. However, the ability to execute code as root/SYSTEM without authentication makes it an ideal vector for ransomware deployment.
Attack surface: IBM Planning Analytics is widely deployed in enterprise environments for financial planning, budgeting, and business analytics. These systems process highly sensitive financial data and are typically connected to corporate networks with access to other business systems. The lack of authentication requirements means any network-accessible instance is vulnerable.
KEV deadline: CISA required federal agencies to remediate this vulnerability by May 3, 2022. The EPSS score of 0.91532 (99.67th percentile) and public exploit availability confirm the critical urgency of remediation.
Remediation
- Apply IBM security patches immediately. Update IBM Planning Analytics to a patched version that addresses this vulnerability. Consult the vendor advisory at IBM Support for specific patch versions and upgrade instructions.
- Restrict network access to TM1 server interfaces. Immediately limit network access to the IBM Planning Analytics and TM1 server management ports to only authorized administrative networks. Deploy firewall rules to block external access to the TM1 server.
- Audit TM1 server configurations for unauthorized changes. Review the TM1 server configuration files for unauthorized modifications, particularly any changes to authentication settings, admin credentials, or TM1 process scripts that may indicate prior exploitation.
- Scan for indicators of compromise. Review system logs, TM1 audit logs, and process execution history for evidence of unauthorized administrative access or unusual TM1 process executions. Check for unexpected scheduled tasks, new user accounts, or modified system files.
- Implement network segmentation. Isolate IBM Planning Analytics servers in a dedicated network segment with strict access controls. Ensure the TM1 server cannot be accessed directly from the internet or untrusted network zones.
- Review and harden TM1 scripting permissions. After patching, review TM1 process and script permissions to ensure the principle of least privilege is applied. Disable or restrict TM1 scripting capabilities where they are not required for business operations.
Technical Details
CVE-2019-4716 is a CRITICAL-severity vulnerability in IBM Planning Analytics that can be exploited remotely over the network without authentication. The attack complexity is low, requiring no specialized conditions. No privileges are required, and no user interaction is needed for exploitation.
Technical mechanism: IBM Planning Analytics 2.0.0 through 2.0.8 contains a configuration overwrite vulnerability that allows an unauthenticated user to modify the application configuration remotely. By exploiting this flaw, an attacker can overwrite authentication-related configuration parameters, effectively allowing them to log in as the "admin" user. Once authenticated as admin, the attacker leverages the TM1 scripting engine, which provides powerful automation capabilities including the ability to execute operating system commands. TM1 processes running with administrative privileges execute as root (Linux) or SYSTEM (Windows), granting the attacker complete control over the host system.
CVSS 3.1 vector analysis: The vector CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H reflects the most severe exploitability characteristics: network-accessible with low complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction. The triple-HIGH impact ratings across Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability confirm complete system compromise capability. The Unchanged scope means the vulnerability is contained within the IBM Planning Analytics component context for scoring purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2019-4716 being actively exploited?
Yes, CVE-2019-4716 is actively exploited in the wild and is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available that demonstrates the full attack chain from unauthenticated access to root-level code execution. The EPSS score of 0.91532 (99.67th percentile) confirms the high exploitation probability.
What products are affected by CVE-2019-4716?
IBM Planning Analytics versions 2.0.0 through 2.0.8 are affected. This includes the underlying TM1 server component. Organizations should check their installed version and consult IBM's security advisory for the specific patched version.
How do I fix CVE-2019-4716?
Apply updates per vendor instructions from IBM Support at https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/1127781. Additionally, restrict network access to TM1 server interfaces, audit configurations for unauthorized changes, and scan for indicators of prior exploitation.
How severe is CVE-2019-4716?
CVE-2019-4716 is rated CRITICAL with a CVSS 3.1 score of 9.8, the near-maximum severity rating. The vulnerability requires no authentication and no user interaction, allowing any network-accessible attacker to gain root/SYSTEM-level code execution through a configuration overwrite and TM1 scripting chain.
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