CVE-2021-4314: linuxfoundation zowe_api_mediation_layer Improper Privilege Management

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2021-4314 is a medium (CVSS 5.3) Improper Privilege Management vulnerability in linuxfoundation zowe_api_mediation_layer. EPSS estimates a 0.44% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 37% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 18-01-2023
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 03-04-2025
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

It is possible to manipulate the JWT token without the knowledge of the JWT secret and authenticate without valid JWT token as any user. This is happening only in the situation when zOSMF doesn’t have the APAR PH12143 applied. This issue affects: 1.16 versions to 1.19. What happens is that the services using the ZAAS client or the API ML API to query will be deceived into believing the information in the JWT token is valid when it isn’t. It’s possible to use this to persuade the southbound service that different user is authenticated.

• CWE-269Improper Privilege ManagementThe product does not properly assign, modify, track, or check privileges for an actor, creating an unintended sphere of control for that actor.
• CWE-287Improper AuthenticationWhen an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.