CVE-2014-3093 in PowerVC
Summary
by MITRE
IBM PowerVC 1.2.0 before FP3 and 1.2.1 before FP2 uses cleartext passwords in (1) api-paste.ini, (2) debug logs, (3) the installation process, (4) environment checks, (5) powervc-ldap-config, (6) powervc-restore, and (7) powervc-diag, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by entering a ps command or reading a file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3093 affects IBM PowerVC versions 1.2.0 before fix pack 3 and 1.2.1 before fix pack 2, representing a critical security flaw in the management and deployment of virtualized environments. This issue stems from the improper handling of authentication credentials throughout multiple system components, creating persistent exposure points for unauthorized access. The vulnerability manifests through the storage and transmission of passwords in cleartext format within various configuration and operational files, fundamentally undermining the security posture of the PowerVC platform. The flaw falls under CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage, making it a direct concern for credential security and access control mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability spans across seven distinct system components within the PowerVC environment, each serving different operational functions but all sharing the common weakness of cleartext password handling. The api-paste.ini file contains authentication parameters that are not properly masked or encrypted, while debug logs capture sensitive information during system operations without adequate sanitization. During the installation process, passwords are temporarily stored in plain text, creating windows of opportunity for exploitation. Environment checks and LDAP configuration utilities also store credentials in accessible formats, while the powervc-restore and powervc-diag utilities maintain cleartext password references. This widespread exposure pattern demonstrates a systemic security weakness rather than an isolated incident, indicating inadequate security design principles and configuration management practices.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-3093 extends beyond simple credential theft, creating significant risks for enterprise environments that rely on PowerVC for virtual infrastructure management. Local users with access to system resources can exploit this vulnerability through simple commands like ps to discover running processes containing cleartext passwords, or by directly reading affected configuration files. This exposure enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to virtualized environments, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data breaches. The vulnerability affects both the installation and ongoing operational phases of PowerVC, meaning that even properly configured systems could be compromised if an attacker gains local access. The implications are particularly severe in multi-tenant environments where virtual machines are managed through PowerVC, as credential exposure could enable lateral movement and privilege escalation attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of configuration hardening measures and security policy enforcement. Organizations should implement immediate patching to upgrade to the affected versions with fix packs that address the cleartext storage issue. System administrators must conduct comprehensive audits to identify and remove any existing cleartext credentials from the identified files and processes. Access controls should be strengthened through mandatory use of encrypted configuration files and secure credential management systems. The implementation of proper logging practices that sanitize sensitive information and regular security assessments should be enforced. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1552, which covers credentials in files, and T1078, which addresses valid accounts, making it a critical target for both defensive and detection measures. Organizations should also consider implementing privileged access management solutions and regular credential rotation policies to minimize the impact of such exposures. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure configuration management and the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the software lifecycle to prevent similar issues in future deployments.