CVE-2020-4561

IBM Cognos Analytics 11.0 and 11.1 DQM API allows submitting of all control requests in unauthenticated sessions

Critical · published May 31, 2021

CVSS v3.0
10.0
EPSS
3%
Percentile
87.0
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

🚨 A remote attacker can submit any control request without a password! This shocking flaw in IBM Cognos Analytics allows anyone with access to a valid endpoint to wreak havoc. 🔥 Think of it like leaving the keys to your filing cabinet with a 'please return' note on it — anyone who stumbles upon it can access or even change your most sensitive documents without permission! An attacker could read and write files within the Cognos Analytics system, potentially leaking sensitive information or corrupting important data. This could lead to serious consequences for any organization relying on this software, resulting in data breaches or operational disruptions.

Put simply

Think of it like leaving the keys to your filing cabinet with a 'please return' note on it — anyone who stumbles upon it can access or even change your most sensitive documents without permission! This vulnerability in IBM Cognos Analytics versions 11.0 and 11.1 allows unauthorized users to manipulate the DQM API, bypassing authentication and performing control requests indiscriminately.

What to do

An attacker could read and write files within the Cognos Analytics system, potentially leaking sensitive information or corrupting important data. This could lead to serious consequences for any organization relying on this software, resulting in data breaches or operational disruptions. Immediately patch to the latest version of Cognos Analytics to secure the DQM API. Ensure that any access to CA endpoints is restricted to authenticated sessions only, and review permissions to limit exposure. Conduct a security audit to assess potential impacts. You've got this! With these steps, you can lock down your system and protect your data in no time! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.0
10.0 · CRITICAL
Vector
CVSS:3.0/PR:N/C:H/I:H/S:C/AC:L/A:H/UI:N/AV:N/RL:O/E:U/RC:C
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.02935 · 87.0th percentile
Published
2021-05-31T15:10Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 31 MAY 15:10Z
    IBM Cognos Analytics 11.0 and 11.1 DQM API allows submitting of all control requests in unauthenticated sessions
    cvelistv5