CVE-2016-3059 in Tivoli Storage Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Storage Manager for Databases: Data Protection for Microsoft SQL Server (aka IBM Spectrum Protect for Databases) 6.3 before 6.3.1.7 and 6.4 before 6.4.1.9 and Tivoli Storage FlashCopy Manager for Microsoft SQL Server (aka IBM Spectrum Protect Snapshot) 3.1 before 3.1.1.7 and 3.2 before 3.2.1.9 allow local users to discover a cleartext SQL Server password by reading the Task List in the MMC GUI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2022
This vulnerability exists in IBM Tivoli Storage Manager for Databases and IBM Spectrum Protect Snapshot products, specifically affecting versions prior to 6.3.1.7, 6.4.1.9, 3.1.1.7, and 3.2.1.9. The flaw allows local attackers to extract plaintext SQL Server passwords through the Management Console GUI task list functionality, representing a significant security weakness in database backup and recovery solutions. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of sensitive authentication information within the graphical user interface components of these storage management tools.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Task List feature in the Microsoft Management Console GUI, where cleartext credentials are stored in memory or displayed within the interface without adequate protection mechanisms. When local users access the Task List functionality, they can retrieve stored SQL Server passwords that should remain encrypted or otherwise protected from unauthorized access. This represents a classic case of insufficient credential protection and improper information disclosure in administrative interfaces. The vulnerability is classified as a weakness in credential handling and information exposure, aligning with CWE-256 (Credential Management Errors) and CWE-200 (Information Exposure).
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability significantly increases the attack surface for local adversaries who can leverage the cleartext passwords to gain unauthorized access to SQL Server instances managed by these backup solutions. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft, as these passwords often provide access to critical database systems that may contain sensitive organizational data. Attackers could potentially escalate privileges, perform unauthorized data operations, or use the stolen credentials to access other systems within the network that rely on the same authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where administrative access is limited but local user accounts still exist, creating potential for insider threats or compromised local accounts to escalate their privileges.
The attack vector requires local system access and involves interaction with the Microsoft Management Console GUI, making it moderately accessible within compromised systems. However, the severity is elevated because it provides direct access to database credentials that can be used for lateral movement and persistence within the network infrastructure. Organizations using these IBM products should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions, implementing additional access controls, and monitoring for unauthorized local access to management interfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper credential handling in management tools and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1555.003 (Credentials from Password Stores) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, as it enables adversaries to obtain valid credentials for database access.
Security best practices recommend that organizations implementing database backup solutions should ensure that all authentication information is properly protected, including implementing proper access controls, monitoring administrative interfaces, and regularly updating software to address known vulnerabilities. The patched versions of these IBM products should be deployed immediately to prevent exploitation of this information disclosure vulnerability that could lead to unauthorized database access and potential data breaches.