CVE-2014-6111 in Tivoli Identity Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Identity Manager 5.1.x before 5.1.0.15-ISS-TIM-IF0057 and Security Identity Manager 6.0.x before 6.0.0.4-ISS-SIM-IF0001 and 7.0.x before 7.0.0.0-ISS-SIM-IF0003 store encrypted user credentials and the keystore password in cleartext in configuration files, which allows local users to decrypt SIM credentials via unspecified vectors. IBM X-Force ID: 96180.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6111 affects IBM Tivoli Identity Manager and Security Identity Manager products across multiple versions, presenting a critical security flaw in credential storage mechanisms. This weakness resides in the configuration file handling process where sensitive authentication data including encrypted user credentials and keystore passwords are stored in cleartext format rather than being properly secured. The flaw specifically impacts versions 5.1.x before 5.1.0.15-ISS-TIM-IF0057, 6.0.x before 6.0.0.4-ISS-SIM-IF0001, and 7.0.x before 7.0.0.0-ISS-SIM-IF0003, creating a persistent security risk for organizations relying on these identity management solutions. The vulnerability represents a fundamental failure in secure configuration management practices and violates established security principles for protecting sensitive data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of cryptographic material within the application's configuration files. When the system stores encrypted credentials alongside the keystore password in plaintext within configuration files, it creates an attack surface that allows local users to access and potentially decrypt sensitive information without proper authentication. This flaw operates under the principle that sensitive data should never be stored in easily accessible formats, particularly when the same system that stores the encryption keys also maintains access to the cleartext configuration files. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the attack could occur through various local access methods, including direct file system access, process memory inspection, or exploitation of other local privilege escalation vulnerabilities. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and represents a classic case of inadequate data protection mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, creating significant risks for identity management systems that rely on these products. Local users with access to the system can potentially extract and decrypt authentication credentials, which could lead to unauthorized access to identity management systems, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a direct path to compromise the identity infrastructure, potentially affecting thousands of user accounts and system resources that depend on the compromised identity management platform. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, data breaches, and reputational damage when such vulnerabilities are exploited, particularly in environments where identity management systems control access to critical business applications and data repositories. The impact is further amplified because these products typically serve as foundational components for enterprise security infrastructure, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking persistent access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-6111 should focus on immediate remediation through vendor-provided patches and updates, specifically targeting the affected versions mentioned in the vulnerability description. Organizations must ensure that all systems running IBM Tivoli Identity Manager and Security Identity Manager are updated to the patched versions that address the cleartext storage issue. Additional protective measures include implementing strict access controls on configuration files, utilizing file system permissions to limit local user access, and employing separate storage mechanisms for encryption keys and credential data. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive configuration files, and organizations should conduct comprehensive audits of their identity management infrastructure to identify any potential exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process should also include re-evaluation of credential storage practices across the organization to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other systems, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 (Credentials in Files) and emphasizing the importance of proper key management and secure configuration practices.