CVE-2014-4826 in Qradar Security Information And Event Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security QRadar SIEM 7.2 before 7.2.3 Patch 1 does not properly handle SSH connections, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive cleartext information by sniffing the network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4826 affects IBM Security QRadar SIEM version 7.2 before 7.2.3 Patch 1, representing a critical security flaw in the system's handling of secure shell connections. This weakness stems from improper implementation of SSH protocol management within the SIEM platform, creating an exploitable condition that compromises the confidentiality of transmitted data. The vulnerability specifically targets the network communication layer where SSH connections are established and maintained, exposing sensitive information to unauthorized network monitoring activities.
The technical flaw manifests through inadequate cryptographic handling of SSH sessions, allowing attackers to capture cleartext credentials and sensitive operational data during network sniffing operations. This represents a failure in proper authentication and encryption mechanisms that should normally protect the integrity of SSH communications. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic issues in security systems, particularly those involving improper implementation of cryptographic protocols. Attackers can leverage this weakness to intercept network traffic and extract valuable information that would normally remain protected through secure communication channels.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it compromises the fundamental security posture of the QRadar SIEM environment. Organizations relying on this platform for security monitoring and incident response face significant risks when attackers can obtain cleartext information through passive network monitoring. The exposure of sensitive data through network sniffing operations undermines the trustworthiness of the SIEM system's ability to protect against external threats, potentially allowing adversaries to gain deeper insights into network infrastructure and security configurations. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by weakening confidentiality controls and potentially enabling further exploitation through the acquired information.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1046 for network service scanning and T1071 for application layer protocol usage. The attack vector leverages passive reconnaissance methods to capture network traffic, aligning with techniques that involve network monitoring and traffic analysis. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the 7.2.3 Patch 1 update, which addresses the SSH connection handling issues. Network segmentation and enhanced monitoring of SSH traffic should be implemented as interim measures, while security teams must conduct thorough assessments of existing SSH configurations and credential management practices to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process should also include verification of proper SSH protocol implementation and regular security auditing of network communication channels to ensure continued protection against similar vulnerabilities.