CVE-2016-0287 in i Access
Summary
by MITRE
IBM i Access 7.1 on Windows allows local users to discover registry passwords via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0287 affects IBM i Access 7.1 running on Windows systems and represents a significant security weakness in the credential storage and retrieval mechanisms. This issue enables local attackers to extract password information from the Windows registry through unspecified vectors that compromise the confidentiality of authentication data. The vulnerability specifically targets the IBM i Access software suite, which provides connectivity between Windows environments and IBM i systems, making it a critical concern for organizations relying on this integration. The registry-based password exposure occurs within the local system context, meaning that an attacker with local access to a Windows machine running IBM i Access 7.1 can potentially retrieve stored credentials without requiring network-based attacks or remote exploitation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure through insecure credential storage practices. When IBM i Access 7.1 stores authentication credentials in the Windows registry, it fails to properly protect these sensitive values from local access. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability may be related to improper access controls, weak encryption of registry entries, or insufficient permission settings on registry keys containing password information. This weakness creates an attack surface where local users can bypass normal authentication mechanisms and directly access stored passwords, potentially enabling privilege escalation or unauthorized access to connected IBM i systems. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the software's security architecture where sensitive data is not adequately protected even within the confines of a single system.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-0287 extends beyond simple credential theft, as it can lead to broader security compromises within an organization's infrastructure. Local users who can access these registry passwords may gain unauthorized access to IBM i systems, potentially compromising data integrity and confidentiality across the entire enterprise network. The vulnerability undermines the principle of least privilege by allowing local access to authentication credentials that should remain protected. Organizations using IBM i Access 7.1 may experience significant security implications including unauthorized system access, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within their network environments. The local nature of this vulnerability means that it can be exploited by malicious insiders or compromised local accounts, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access controls are not properly enforced.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0287 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary recommendation involves applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates for IBM i Access 7.1 to address the registry password exposure issue. Organizations should also implement enhanced local access controls, including strict user permissions, regular security audits, and monitoring of registry access patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper credential management practices and adherence to security standards such as those outlined in the CWE database, specifically CWE-522 which addresses insufficiently protected credentials. Additionally, implementing the ATT&CK framework's principle of credential access and defense evasion techniques can help organizations detect and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments should include evaluation of registry-based credential storage mechanisms and enforcement of secure configuration practices to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information stored in system registries.