CVE-2015-1934 in Maximo Asset Management
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Maximo Asset Management 7.1 through 7.1.1.13, 7.5.0 before 7.5.0.8 IFIX002, and 7.6.0 before 7.6.0.1 IFIX001; Maximo Asset Management 7.5.x before 7.5.0.8 IFIX002 and 7.6.0 before 7.6.0.1 IFIX001 for SmartCloud Control Desk; and Maximo Asset Management 7.1 through 7.1.1.13 and 7.2 for Tivoli IT Asset Management for IT and certain other products do not properly encrypt passwords, which makes it easier for context-dependent attackers to determine cleartext passwords by leveraging access to a password file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2018
This vulnerability affects IBM Maximo Asset Management versions across multiple release lines including 7.1 through 7.1.1.13, 7.5.0 before 7.5.0.8 IFIX002, and 7.6.0 before 7.6.0.1 IFIX001, along with related products such as SmartCloud Control Desk and Tivoli IT Asset Management for IT. The core issue lies in the improper encryption of passwords within the system, creating a significant security weakness that allows attackers with access to password files to potentially recover cleartext passwords. This flaw represents a critical failure in the application's credential handling mechanisms, where sensitive authentication data is stored in an unencrypted or inadequately encrypted format. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-312 as "Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information" which directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of user credentials within the Maximo environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when attackers gain access to password files or database records containing user credentials. In the context of Maximo Asset Management, this typically involves accessing the underlying database where user passwords are stored, or retrieving password files through various attack vectors such as unauthorized system access, privilege escalation, or insecure file transfers. The context-dependent nature of this vulnerability means that successful exploitation requires specific conditions such as having access to the target system or database, but once achieved, attackers can easily extract and decode password information. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 "Unsecured Credentials" which focuses on accessing password files or credential storage locations without proper authorization.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1934 extends beyond simple credential theft, as compromised passwords can provide attackers with persistent access to critical asset management systems. In enterprise environments using Maximo for asset tracking, maintenance scheduling, and operational management, stolen credentials could enable attackers to manipulate asset records, modify maintenance schedules, access sensitive operational data, or even disable security controls within the system. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely heavily on Maximo for business-critical operations, as compromised credentials could lead to unauthorized access to financial records, operational data, and system configurations. Additionally, the exposure of cleartext passwords increases the risk of credential reuse attacks, where stolen credentials are used to access other systems within the same network or organization, potentially leading to broader security breaches.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability effectively. Immediate remediation involves applying the appropriate IFIX patches released by IBM, specifically IFIX002 for 7.5.0 versions and IFIX001 for 7.6.0 versions, which correct the password encryption implementation. Beyond patching, system administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of password storage mechanisms and implement proper encryption standards for all credential data. This includes reviewing database configurations, file permissions, and access controls to ensure that password files are not accessible to unauthorized users. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as regular password rotation policies, multi-factor authentication for critical administrative accounts, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to credential storage locations. The remediation process should follow industry standards including NIST SP 800-53 controls for access control and system configuration management, ensuring that the fix addresses both the immediate vulnerability and prevents similar issues in the future.