CVE-2016-2879 in QRadar
Summary
by MITRE
IBM QRadar 7.2 uses outdated hashing algorithms to hash certain passwords, which could allow a local user to obtain and decrypt user credentials. IBM Reference #: 1997341.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2020
IBM QRadar version 7.2 contains a critical security vulnerability that stems from the use of outdated cryptographic hashing algorithms for password storage. This vulnerability specifically affects the credential management system where user passwords are processed through weak hashing mechanisms that have known cryptographic weaknesses. The flaw resides in the password hashing implementation that fails to employ modern cryptographic standards, leaving user credentials susceptible to exploitation by local attackers who possess sufficient privileges to access the system's credential storage mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the use of deprecated hashing algorithms that lack the computational complexity and security properties required for modern credential protection. Attackers can exploit this weakness by leveraging the outdated hashing methods to perform reverse engineering or brute force attacks against stored passwords. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation issue since it requires an attacker to already have local access to the system but can then leverage the weak hashing to decrypt user credentials that would otherwise be protected by stronger cryptographic measures. This weakness directly relates to CWE-327 which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms and CWE-521 which covers weak password requirements and authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as compromised user credentials can provide attackers with persistent access to the QRadar system and potentially enable further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Organizations utilizing IBM QRadar 7.2 are at risk of unauthorized access to security monitoring data, system configuration changes, and potential privilege escalation to administrative accounts. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire security monitoring platform, undermining the trust model that organizations rely upon for their security operations center. This weakness creates a significant attack surface that could be exploited by both malicious insiders and external attackers who have gained initial access to the system.
Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches and updates to address this vulnerability in IBM QRadar 7.2 environments. The recommended mitigation strategy includes upgrading to a supported version of QRadar that implements modern cryptographic standards for password hashing and credential storage. Security administrators should also implement additional monitoring controls to detect unauthorized access attempts and credential compromise activities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques where attackers leverage system weaknesses to gain elevated privileges, and the credential access tactics that involve compromising authentication mechanisms. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their QRadar implementations and review access controls to minimize the risk of exploitation through this weakness.