CVE-2020-4428
IBM Data Risk Manager Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Description
CVE-2020-4428 is a CRITICAL OS command injection vulnerability in IBM Data Risk Manager versions 2.0.1 through 2.0.4, carrying a CVSS 3.1 score of 9.1 with Changed Scope. The vulnerability allows a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system. Classified under CWE-78, this flaw enables attackers with valid credentials to break out of the application context and compromise the host system. The attack vector is network-based with low complexity and requires high privileges but no user interaction. CISA added CVE-2020-4428 to its KEV catalog on November 3, 2021, with a remediation deadline of May 3, 2022. The EPSS score of 0.92289 (99.72nd percentile) indicates an extremely high probability of exploitation in the wild.
KEV Information
CVSS Score
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:HOpen in CalculatorAffected Products
| Vendor | Product | Version |
|---|---|---|
| ibm | data risk manager | >= 2.0.1, <= 2.0.4 |
Multiple CVSS Assessments
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
References
- https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/180533(VDB Entry, Vendor Advisory)
- https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6206875(Patch, Vendor Advisory)
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Nov/0(Mailing List, Third Party Advisory)
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Nov/1(Mailing List, Third Party Advisory)
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-4428(US Government Resource)
Weakness Type
CWE-78: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')
OS Command Injection occurs when software constructs operating system commands using externally-supplied input without properly neutralizing special elements that could modify the intended command. When user-controlled data is passed directly to a system shell or command interpreter without adequate sanitization, attackers can inject additional commands using shell metacharacters such as semicolons, pipes, backticks, or command substitution operators. The injected commands execute with the privileges of the vulnerable application.
In the context of CVE-2020-4428, IBM Data Risk Manager fails to properly sanitize input from authenticated users before passing it to operating system command execution routines. Because the application runs with elevated privileges, an authenticated attacker can inject OS commands that execute as root or SYSTEM, allowing them to escape the application sandbox and gain full control over the underlying server. The Changed Scope in the CVSS vector confirms that exploitation impacts resources beyond the vulnerable component itself, meaning a compromise of the application directly leads to host-level compromise.
Learn more: CWE-78 — Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command
Impact Analysis
CVE-2020-4428 carries a CVSS 3.1 score of 9.1 (CRITICAL) with Changed Scope, indicating exploitation extends beyond the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality (HIGH): Successful exploitation grants the attacker OS-level command execution, enabling access to all data stored on the IBM Data Risk Manager host, including risk assessments, compliance reports, database credentials, encryption keys, and any sensitive organizational data processed by the platform.
Integrity (HIGH): With command execution capability, attackers can modify system configurations, install persistent backdoors, alter data risk assessments and compliance reports, tamper with audit logs, and deploy malware on the affected system.
Availability (HIGH): Attackers can disrupt or completely disable the IBM Data Risk Manager service, delete critical data, corrupt system files, or use the compromised system for resource-intensive operations such as cryptocurrency mining, rendering the platform unavailable to legitimate users.
Scope Changed: The CVSS scope is Changed (C), meaning exploitation of this vulnerability impacts resources beyond the IBM Data Risk Manager application itself. An attacker who compromises the application gains command execution on the host operating system, potentially affecting other services, databases, and network segments accessible from that host.
With an EPSS score of 0.92289 (99.72nd percentile), this vulnerability ranks among the most likely to be exploited across all known CVEs.
Exploit Maturity
CVE-2020-4428 has confirmed active exploitation and is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Exploit status: This vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild. The EPSS score of 0.92289 (99.72nd percentile) places it in the top 0.28% of all CVEs for exploitation probability, confirming widespread attacker interest. Public exploit information is available through security disclosure channels and full disclosure mailing lists.
Ransomware association: As of the latest KEV data, no direct ransomware campaign has been publicly linked to CVE-2020-4428. However, the command execution capability makes it a prime candidate for ransomware deployment and post-exploitation activities.
Attack surface: IBM Data Risk Manager is typically deployed in enterprise environments to manage data risk assessments and compliance. Systems running this software process highly sensitive organizational data, making them high-value targets. The requirement for authentication (high privileges) somewhat limits the attack surface, but credential theft, insider threats, and chained vulnerabilities can provide the necessary access.
KEV deadline: CISA required federal agencies to remediate this vulnerability by May 3, 2022. All organizations should treat this deadline as a strong recommendation for their own remediation timelines.
Remediation
- Apply IBM security patches immediately. Update IBM Data Risk Manager to a version that addresses this vulnerability. Consult the vendor advisory at IBM Support for specific patch guidance and version requirements.
- Audit all IBM Data Risk Manager accounts and access. Review all user accounts with administrative or high-privilege access to the platform. Remove unnecessary accounts, enforce strong password policies, and implement multi-factor authentication where supported.
- Restrict network access to IBM Data Risk Manager. Limit network access to the management interfaces to only authorized IP addresses and networks. Deploy the application behind a firewall and restrict inbound connections to trusted administrative networks.
- Scan for indicators of prior exploitation. Given the confirmed active exploitation, review system logs, command history, and file integrity monitoring data for evidence of unauthorized command execution. Check for unexpected processes, new user accounts, and modified system files.
- Implement application-level monitoring. Deploy enhanced logging and monitoring for all administrative actions within IBM Data Risk Manager. Configure alerts for unusual command execution patterns and unexpected system calls.
- Evaluate the deployment architecture. Consider isolating IBM Data Risk Manager on a dedicated network segment with strict egress filtering to limit the blast radius of any potential compromise. Ensure the host system follows hardening best practices.
Technical Details
CVE-2020-4428 is a CRITICAL-severity vulnerability in IBM Data Risk Manager that can be exploited remotely over the network. The attack complexity is low, meaning no specialized conditions or preparation are required. High privileges are required for exploitation, indicating the attacker needs valid administrative credentials. No user interaction is required for the attack to succeed.
Technical mechanism: IBM Data Risk Manager versions 2.0.1 through 2.0.4 fail to properly sanitize input in certain administrative functions before passing it to operating system command execution routines. An authenticated attacker with high-level privileges can inject OS commands through these functions, which are then executed by the underlying operating system with the application's privilege level. The underlying flaw is OS command injection (CWE-78), where shell metacharacters in user input are not neutralized before being included in system commands.
CVSS 3.1 vector analysis: The vector CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H reflects a network-accessible attack with low complexity requiring high privileges and no user interaction. The Changed scope (S:C) is particularly significant, as it indicates that exploitation extends beyond the application to affect the host operating system and potentially other connected resources. Impact ratings of HIGH across Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability confirm complete system compromise potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2020-4428 being actively exploited?
Yes, CVE-2020-4428 has confirmed active exploitation in the wild and is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. The EPSS score of 0.92289 places it in the 99.72nd percentile for exploitation likelihood. Organizations running affected versions of IBM Data Risk Manager should treat remediation as an urgent priority.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-4428?
IBM Data Risk Manager versions 2.0.1, 2.0.2, 2.0.3, and 2.0.4 are affected. Organizations should check their installed version and consult IBM's security advisory for specific patch guidance.
How do I fix CVE-2020-4428?
Apply updates per vendor instructions from the IBM security advisory at https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6206875. Additionally, restrict network access to the management interface, audit all privileged accounts, and scan for signs of prior exploitation.
How severe is CVE-2020-4428?
CVE-2020-4428 is rated CRITICAL with a CVSS 3.1 score of 9.1 and Changed Scope, meaning exploitation extends beyond the application to the host operating system. The vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
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