CVE-2014-0897 in Flex System Manager
Summary
by MITRE
The Configuration Patterns component in IBM Flex System Manager (FSM) 1.2.0.x, 1.2.1.x, 1.3.0.x, and 1.3.1.x uses a weak algorithm in an encryption step during Chassis Management Module (CMM) account creation, which makes it easier for remote authenticated users to defeat cryptographic protection mechanisms via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0897 affects IBM Flex System Manager versions 1.2.0.x through 1.3.1.x, specifically targeting the Configuration Patterns component that handles Chassis Management Module account creation processes. This weakness exists within the cryptographic implementation used during authentication credential provisioning, creating a significant security risk for enterprise infrastructure management systems. The affected IBM Flex System Manager serves as a critical management interface for IBM Flex System hardware, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on these platforms for their data center operations.
The technical flaw manifests through the use of a weak encryption algorithm during the Chassis Management Module account creation process, which falls under the category of cryptographic weakness as classified by CWE-327. This weakness allows remote authenticated users to potentially bypass or weaken the cryptographic protection mechanisms that should safeguard account creation processes. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the vulnerability description suggest that attackers could exploit this weakness through various methods including man-in-the-middle attacks, credential harvesting, or by leveraging existing authenticated sessions to compromise the integrity of the encryption process. The vulnerability specifically impacts the cryptographic strength of the encryption step rather than the entire system, making it a targeted weakness in the authentication flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it compromises the fundamental security assumptions of the IBM Flex System Manager's authentication system. Remote authenticated attackers who can exploit this weakness gain the ability to potentially manipulate or forge authentication credentials for Chassis Management Modules, which represent critical management interfaces for hardware components. This weakness could enable attackers to escalate privileges within the management infrastructure, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive hardware configuration data, system control capabilities, and broader network resources managed through these platforms. The vulnerability affects organizations using IBM Flex System Manager across various enterprise environments, particularly those with extensive data center infrastructure that relies on centralized management systems.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of IBM Flex System Manager where available, reviewing and strengthening authentication controls, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper cryptographic implementation in management interfaces and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation around management interfaces, enforcing strong authentication mechanisms, and conducting regular security assessments of management infrastructure components. Additionally, organizations should review their overall cryptographic practices and ensure that all encryption implementations meet current security standards to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other system components.