CVE-2015-2012 in WebSphere MQ
Summary
by MITRE
The MQXR service in WMQ Telemetry in IBM WebSphere MQ 7.1 before 7.1.0.7, 7.5 through 7.5.0.5, and 8.0 before 8.0.0.4 uses world-readable permissions for a cleartext file containing the SSL keystore password, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading this file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2012 affects IBM WebSphere MQ Telemetry services where the MQXR component stores SSL keystore passwords in cleartext files with world-readable permissions. This flaw exists in WebSphere MQ versions 7.1 before 7.1.0.7, 7.5 through 7.5.0.5, and 8.0 before 8.0.0.4, representing a critical security weakness that undermines the confidentiality and integrity of cryptographic materials. The vulnerability stems from improper file permission management during the telemetry service initialization process, where sensitive authentication credentials are persisted in an accessible format without adequate access controls.
This security flaw constitutes a direct violation of security principle of least privilege and represents a classic example of insecure storage of sensitive information as categorized under CWE-312. The technical implementation error occurs when the system creates configuration files containing cryptographic key material or passwords without establishing proper file system permissions that restrict access to authorized processes only. Local users with minimal system privileges can exploit this weakness by simply reading the world-readable file, thereby obtaining the SSL keystore password that grants access to encrypted communications channels and potentially sensitive data flows within the messaging infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as the compromised SSL keystore password could enable attackers to impersonate legitimate services, decrypt sensitive messages, or perform man-in-the-middle attacks against the messaging infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted through WebSphere MQ, potentially exposing financial transactions, personal information, or proprietary communications to unauthorized access. Attackers could leverage this information to gain deeper access into enterprise networks, particularly when the messaging system serves as a communication backbone for critical business applications and services.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including setting proper file permissions to restrict access to the affected cleartext files, typically to owner-only read/write access, and applying the relevant IBM security patches released for WebSphere MQ versions 7.1.0.7, 7.5.0.5, and 8.0.0.4. The remediation process should also include reviewing all telemetry-related configuration files for similar permission issues and implementing automated monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive system files. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing principle of least privilege controls for all system accounts and services running telemetry components, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential access to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the broader attack surface.