CVE-2015-7433 in Capacity Management Analytics
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Capacity Management Analytics 2.1.0.0 allows local users to discover cleartext usernames and passwords by leveraging access to the CMA install machine. IBM X-Force ID: 107862.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7433 affects IBM Capacity Management Analytics version 2.1.0.0, representing a significant security weakness that enables local attackers to extract sensitive authentication credentials. This flaw resides within the installation machine itself, making it particularly concerning as it requires no network access or external exploitation vectors. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of authentication data during the installation process, where cleartext credentials are stored in accessible locations, creating a persistent security risk for systems that host this analytics solution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the insecure storage of username and password information in plain text format within the installation environment. Attackers with local access to the CMA installation machine can directly read these credentials without requiring additional exploitation techniques or privilege escalation. The flaw demonstrates poor security practices in credential management, where sensitive authentication data is not properly encrypted or obfuscated during the installation phase. This represents a violation of fundamental security principles that should ensure credential confidentiality even within protected system environments.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations deploying IBM Capacity Management Analytics, particularly in environments where local access controls may be insufficiently enforced. The ability to retrieve cleartext credentials provides attackers with immediate access to systems that may be protected by these credentials, potentially enabling lateral movement and privilege escalation within the network. The vulnerability's local nature means that any user with access to the installation machine can exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or shared system configurations where access controls may be inadequate.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting local access to installation machines, implementing proper access controls and privilege management, and considering credential rotation for systems that may have been compromised. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and legitimate credentials. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of all IBM Capacity Management Analytics installations to identify affected systems and ensure that proper access controls are implemented to prevent unauthorized local access to installation environments. The incident highlights the critical importance of secure credential handling practices and the necessity of implementing proper encryption mechanisms for sensitive data even within local system environments.