CVE-2013-5445 in Cognos Express
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Cognos Express 9.0 before IFIX 2, 9.5 before IFIX 2, 10.1 before IFIX 2, and 10.2.1 before FP1 allows local users to obtain sensitive cleartext information by leveraging knowledge of a static decryption key.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2026
This vulnerability affects IBM Cognos Express versions prior to specific maintenance fixes, creating a significant security risk through the use of a static decryption key. The flaw exists in the software's handling of sensitive information, where local attackers can exploit hardcoded cryptographic parameters to recover cleartext data that should remain protected. The vulnerability stems from the implementation of weak cryptographic practices that rely on fixed keys rather than dynamic or user-specific encryption mechanisms. According to CWE-327, this represents a serious weakness in cryptographic implementation that directly violates fundamental security principles. The static nature of the decryption key means that any local user with knowledge of this hardcoded parameter can perform unauthorized decryption operations against encrypted data within the system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through local access to the system where the static key is embedded within the application binaries or configuration files. Attackers can leverage this knowledge to decrypt sensitive information that was originally protected using the flawed encryption mechanism. This creates a persistent threat vector since the key remains unchanged across system instances and deployments. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as the cleartext data may include credentials, configuration parameters, or other sensitive operational data that could be used for further attacks. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1552.001 (Unsecured Credentials) and T1005 (Data from Local System), representing both credential compromise and local data extraction capabilities.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe for organizations using affected IBM Cognos Express versions, as it provides local attackers with direct access to sensitive information without requiring network-based exploitation. System administrators must consider that any user with local access to the affected system can potentially compromise the confidentiality of stored data. This weakness particularly affects environments where multiple users share system resources or where privilege escalation attacks are possible. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security design practices that violate the principle of least privilege and proper key management. Organizations should immediately implement the recommended IFIX and fix pack updates to address this issue, as the static key exposure creates a persistent risk that cannot be mitigated through network-level security controls alone. The affected versions represent a critical security gap that requires immediate remediation to prevent potential data breaches and maintain compliance with information security standards.