CVE-2016-0330 in Security Identity Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Identity Manager (ISIM) Virtual Appliance 7.0.0.0 through 7.0.1.1 before 7.0.1-ISS-SIM-FP0003 mishandles password creation, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access by leveraging an attack against the password algorithm.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0330 affects IBM Security Identity Manager (ISIM) Virtual Appliance versions 7.0.0.0 through 7.0.1.1 prior to 7.0.1-ISS-SIM-FP0003. This issue represents a significant security flaw in the password creation mechanism that directly impacts the authentication security posture of the system. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of password generation algorithms, creating exploitable conditions that allow remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to the system.
The technical flaw manifests in the password creation process where the system fails to properly implement secure cryptographic practices for password hashing and generation. This weakness creates predictable patterns or vulnerabilities in the password algorithm that can be exploited through various attack vectors. The vulnerability falls under the category of weak cryptographic implementations and improper credential handling, which are commonly classified under CWE-326 (Inadequate Encryption Strength) and CWE-521 (Weak Password Requirements). Attackers can leverage this flaw to reverse engineer or predict password hashes, significantly reducing the time and effort required to compromise user accounts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it fundamentally undermines the trust model of the identity management system. Organizations relying on ISIM for user authentication face increased risk of credential compromise, potential lateral movement within their networks, and unauthorized access to sensitive resources. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where identity management systems serve as critical infrastructure components. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1110 (Brute Force) and T1566 (Phishing) techniques as attackers can exploit the predictable password patterns to perform credential stuffing attacks or social engineering campaigns.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is significant as it affects remote attackers who do not require physical access to the system. The flaw exists in the virtual appliance implementation, making it accessible over network connections without requiring specialized tools or deep system knowledge. Organizations using affected versions of ISIM should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security fix 7.0.1-ISS-SIM-FP0003, reviewing existing password policies, and implementing additional authentication controls such as multi-factor authentication. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of their identity management systems to identify potential exploitation attempts and strengthen overall authentication security measures. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation in identity management systems and serves as a reminder of the necessity for regular security updates and vulnerability assessments in enterprise environments.