CVE-2016-5918 in Tivoli Storage Manager HSM
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Storage Manager HSM for Windows displays the encrypted Tivoli Storage Manager password in application trace output if the password access option is prompt and the password is changed.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5918 affects IBM Tivoli Storage Manager HSM for Windows systems, representing a critical security flaw in how the application handles password information during trace logging operations. This issue manifests when the password access option is configured to prompt mode and subsequent password changes occur, creating an unintended exposure of sensitive authentication credentials through application trace output files. The vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure, where sensitive data that should remain protected is inadvertently exposed through system logging mechanisms.
The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the trace logging functionality of the Tivoli Storage Manager HSM component. When the system operates in prompt mode for password access and subsequently processes password changes, the application fails to properly sanitize or redact the password information before writing it to trace output files. This represents a direct violation of secure coding practices and demonstrates poor handling of sensitive data within application logging subsystems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it occurs during routine system operations and password management activities, making it difficult for administrators to detect and prevent the exposure.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on IBM Tivoli Storage Manager HSM for Windows environments. The exposure of encrypted passwords in trace output files provides potential attackers with critical authentication credentials that could be leveraged to gain unauthorized access to storage systems and sensitive data repositories. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad and can lead to privilege escalation, data theft, and system compromise. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness to access backup storage systems, manipulate data, or conduct further reconnaissance within the network infrastructure. The risk is compounded by the fact that trace files are often stored in accessible locations and may be retained for extended periods, increasing the window of potential exploitation.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-312, focusing on the exposure of sensitive data in logs and outputs. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this weakness maps to techniques involving credential access and privilege escalation through information gathering and exploitation of system vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling unnecessary trace logging, implementing proper log sanitization procedures, and ensuring that sensitive information is never written to trace files. Additionally, system administrators should review and modify password access configurations to minimize exposure risks while maintaining operational requirements. Regular security audits and monitoring of trace file contents should be implemented to detect potential exposures, and patch management procedures should be established to ensure timely remediation of such vulnerabilities.
Organizations using this software should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, while establishing proper incident response procedures to address potential credential compromise. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure logging practices and proper handling of sensitive data throughout application lifecycle management processes. Regular security training for system administrators should emphasize the risks associated with insecure logging and the importance of maintaining proper configuration management for authentication systems.