Business Objects WebIntelligence 6.5x Account Lockout and System DoS
Computer Sciences Corporation Security Advisory
December 14, 2005
Summary:
CSC have discovered an issue that could impact upon the availability and
security of servers operating Business Objects WebIntelligence software. If a
remote malicious attacker is able to access authentication mechanisms
(ordinarily through form input) they can lock out and effectively disable user
accounts, including General Supervisor (admin) users leading to system
unavailability.
Business Impact:
Successful exploitation of this issue could lead to system unavailability and
significant loss of productivity. This attack requires limited knowledge of
WebIntelligence default account details, and provided no additional changes
have been made in configuration, high level (and vital) accounts can be
disabled. By using automated brute force tools, a potential attacker can easily
disable accounts associated with legitimate system users.
Affected Product(s):
Business Objects WebIntelligence 6.5x
(It should be noted that additional software may be affected and the vendor
should be contacted for confirmation).
Remediation:
The vendor has proposed a number of remediation strategies, namely:
1 - Disable "the number of failed logins allowed" feature. Using this solution,
a remote attacker is unable to disable legitimate accounts. It should be noted
however, that with unlimited attempts at establishing password details
associated with legitimate accounts, the attacker can potentially discover
legitimate credentials.
2 - Use external authentication systems (Windows Authentication mode, or SSO
with Site Minder, LDAP, Active Directory).
Business Objects have also published a Knowledge Base article referencing this
issue with the ID of 19915. This Knowledge Base article is available via the
vendor support portal at: http://www.techsupport.businessobjects.com/
Credit:
This vulnerability was discovered by Michael Kemp of CSC (Computer Sciences
Corporation).
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About CSC
Founded in 1959, Computer Sciences Corporation is a leading global information
technology (IT) services company. CSC's mission is to provide customers in
industry and government with solutions crafted to meet their specific
challenges and enable them to profit from the advanced use of technology.
With approximately 78,000 employees, CSC provides innovative solutions for
customers around the world by applying leading technologies and CSC's own
advanced capabilities. These include systems design and integration; IT and
business process outsourcing; applications software development; Web and
application hosting; and management consulting. Headquartered in El Segundo,
Calif., CSC reported revenue of $14.5 billion for the 12 months ended Sept. 30,
2005. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.csc.com
Copyright (c) 2005, Computer Sciences Corporation