CVE-2016-2871 in QRadar SIEM
Summary
by MITRE
IBM QRadar SIEM 7.1 before MR2 Patch 13 and 7.2 before 7.2.7 uses cleartext storage for unspecified passwords, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading a configuration file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2019
IBM QRadar SIEM versions 7.1 before MR2 Patch 13 and 7.2 before 7.2.7 contain a critical security flaw that violates fundamental information security principles by storing passwords in cleartext within configuration files. This vulnerability represents a classic example of poor cryptographic practices and insecure data handling that directly contravenes industry standards such as those outlined in CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage. The flaw allows local attackers with access to the system to trivially extract authentication credentials by simply reading the affected configuration files, creating an immediate and severe risk to system integrity and confidentiality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly encrypt or hash password values before storing them in persistent storage. When QRadar processes user authentication data, it appears to store credentials in an unencrypted format within its configuration management system, likely in files such as property files or database configuration records. This cleartext storage approach violates the principle of least privilege and provides attackers with immediate access to authentication tokens that should remain protected through proper cryptographic mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core security infrastructure of the SIEM system, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to sensitive security information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of the entire QRadar deployment. Local users who can access the configuration files can potentially gain access to administrative credentials, database passwords, and other sensitive authentication information that would otherwise be protected. This creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on QRadar for security monitoring and incident response, as attackers could potentially bypass the SIEM's own security controls and access the very data the system is designed to protect. The vulnerability affects the system's ability to maintain confidentiality and integrity, directly impacting the organization's security operations and potentially leading to data breaches or unauthorized system access.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the relevant IBM patches for MR2 Patch 13 and 7.2.7 releases, which address the cleartext storage issue through proper encryption mechanisms. System administrators should also conduct thorough audits of configuration files to identify any remaining cleartext credentials and implement monitoring controls to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive files. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following security best practices as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly in the context of credential access and privilege escalation techniques. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as file integrity monitoring, access control restrictions, and regular security assessments to prevent similar issues from occurring in other system components and maintain compliance with information security standards.