CVE-2016-2880 in QRadar
Summary
by MITRE
IBM QRadar 7.2 stores the encryption key used to encrypt the service account password which can be obtained by a local user. IBM Reference #: 1997340.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2880 resides within IBM QRadar version 7.2, a prominent security information and event management platform widely deployed in enterprise environments. This weakness represents a critical security flaw that directly impacts the system's credential protection mechanisms and demonstrates poor cryptographic implementation practices. The vulnerability specifically affects the service account password encryption process where the encryption key is stored in a manner accessible to local users, fundamentally undermining the security posture of the platform. This issue falls under the category of insufficient cryptographic key management as classified by CWE-321, which addresses the improper handling of cryptographic keys in security systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows local privilege escalation through unauthorized access to the encryption key, potentially enabling attackers to decrypt sensitive service account credentials.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the insecure storage of cryptographic keys within the QRadar application environment. When service account passwords are encrypted for storage or transmission, the encryption key itself is not properly protected from local access. This creates a scenario where any user with local system access can potentially extract the encryption key and subsequently decrypt the protected service account credentials. The vulnerability represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates inadequate separation of concerns in the application's security architecture. From an attack perspective, this weakness aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1003.001 sub-technique for OS Credential Dumping, where adversaries seek to extract stored credentials from system memory or configuration files. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor path that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms and allows for unauthorized credential access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper access to the underlying system infrastructure. Service accounts typically possess elevated permissions and access to critical system resources, making their compromise particularly damaging to organizational security. When local users can obtain these encryption keys, they effectively gain the ability to impersonate service accounts and potentially access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access to the QRadar environment. This vulnerability can significantly weaken the overall security posture of organizations relying on QRadar for security monitoring and threat detection, as it undermines the trust model that should protect critical system credentials. The impact is compounded by the fact that QRadar environments often contain sensitive security event data, log information, and system configuration details that could be exploited for further attacks or data exfiltration.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including the application of IBM's security patches and updates that address this specific vulnerability. The recommended approach involves ensuring that cryptographic keys are stored in protected memory segments or hardware security modules that prevent local user access. System administrators should also conduct thorough access reviews and implement additional monitoring for unauthorized local access attempts. From a compliance standpoint, this vulnerability would likely violate standards such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 requirements for secure key management. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls including mandatory access controls, privilege separation, and regular security assessments to prevent similar issues in other components of their security infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper cryptographic key management and the need for comprehensive security testing of credential handling mechanisms in enterprise security platforms.