CVE-2016-2929 in BigFix Remote Control
Summary
by MITRE
IBM BigFix Remote Control before 9.1.3 does not properly restrict password choices, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via a brute-force approach.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2929 affects IBM BigFix Remote Control versions prior to 9.1.3, representing a significant security weakness in the authentication mechanism of this remote desktop management solution. This issue stems from insufficient password complexity controls that allow attackers to exploit weak password choices through brute-force attacks, thereby compromising system access. The vulnerability specifically targets the password validation process within the remote control functionality, creating an avenue for unauthorized access that could lead to complete system compromise.
The technical flaw manifests in the password validation logic where the system fails to enforce adequate password policies and restrictions that would prevent users from selecting easily guessable or commonly used passwords. This weakness enables attackers to systematically test common password combinations, dictionary words, and simple variations in an attempt to gain unauthorized access to remote systems managed through BigFix. The vulnerability operates at the authentication layer, where proper password strength requirements should prevent weak credentials from being accepted, but instead allows insecure password choices to proceed without adequate restriction.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk to organizations relying on IBM BigFix Remote Control for system management and remote access operations. Attackers leveraging this weakness can significantly reduce the time and effort required to compromise systems by exploiting the predictable password patterns that the system permits. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially enable lateral movement within networks, as compromised remote access credentials could be used to target additional systems. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under credential access tactics, specifically targeting the use of brute force and credential stuffing techniques.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to IBM BigFix Remote Control version 9.1.3 or later, which includes enhanced password validation controls. Additionally, administrators should enforce strong password policies that mandate complex credentials, implement account lockout mechanisms after failed authentication attempts, and deploy multi-factor authentication where possible. The remediation strategy should also include regular security assessments to identify and address similar weak password policies across other systems and applications within the organization's infrastructure. These measures align with security standards such as NIST SP 800-63B and ISO/IEC 27001 requirements for authentication and access control management, ensuring comprehensive protection against credential-based attacks.