CVE-2016-3019 in Security Access Manager for Web
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Access Manager for Web 9.0.0 uses weaker than expected cryptographic algorithms that could allow an attacker to decrypt highly sensitive information. IBM X-Force ID: 114462.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2020
IBM Security Access Manager for Web version 9.0.0 contains a cryptographic vulnerability that stems from the use of weaker than expected encryption algorithms, creating a significant risk for sensitive data exposure. This vulnerability falls under the category of weak cryptographic algorithms as classified by CWE-327, where the system employs encryption methods that are insufficient to protect confidential information from unauthorized access. The flaw specifically affects the cryptographic implementations within the web access management framework, potentially allowing attackers to compromise the security of protected data through decryption attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the use of cryptographic primitives that do not meet contemporary security standards for protecting sensitive information. Attackers can exploit this weakness to decrypt data that should remain confidential, potentially gaining access to authentication tokens, user credentials, or other sensitive web application data. The vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the cryptographic architecture of the IBM Security Access Manager, where the encryption algorithms used are either deprecated, improperly configured, or otherwise insufficient to withstand modern cryptanalytic attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of web applications protected by IBM Security Access Manager. Organizations relying on this platform may experience unauthorized access to protected resources, potential credential theft, and compromise of user privacy. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality guarantees that security access management systems are designed to provide, creating opportunities for attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and access restricted web content. This weakness can be particularly dangerous in environments where the system handles sensitive personal information, financial data, or proprietary business information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate cryptographic algorithm upgrades and configuration reviews within the IBM Security Access Manager environment. Organizations should implement stronger encryption standards, including the use of modern cryptographic protocols such as TLS 1.2 or higher, and ensure that all encryption keys meet current security requirements. The remediation process involves updating the system to versions that address the weak cryptographic implementations, which may require careful planning to avoid service disruption. Security teams should also conduct thorough assessments of all cryptographic implementations within their web security infrastructure and align them with industry best practices such as those outlined in the NIST Special Publication 800-57 for cryptographic key management and algorithm selection. Additionally, this vulnerability may be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for unsecured credentials and T1552.006 for data manipulation, highlighting the broader attack surface implications for credential and data protection.