CVE-2016-5967 in Rational Asset Analyzer
Summary
by MITRE
The installation component in IBM Rational Asset Analyzer (RAA) 6.1.0 before FP10 allows local users to discover the WAS Admin password by reading IM native logs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5967 affects IBM Rational Asset Analyzer version 6.1.0 prior to fix pack 10, representing a significant security flaw in the software installation process that exposes sensitive administrative credentials. This issue specifically targets the installation component of the Rational Asset Analyzer platform, which is designed for software asset management and compliance monitoring within enterprise environments. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of log file generation during the installation process, creating an unintended information disclosure channel that could be exploited by local attackers with system access.
The technical flaw manifests through the installation component's creation of IM native logs that contain the WebSphere Application Server administrator password in cleartext format. This represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability where sensitive authentication data is inadvertently stored in log files without proper sanitization or access controls. The vulnerability is classified as a weakness in the installation and configuration phase, aligning with CWE-200 which describes "Information Exposure" and CWE-312 which covers "Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information." The flaw is particularly concerning because it occurs during the installation process when system administrators are typically performing privileged operations, making the exposure of administrative credentials especially dangerous.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it provides attackers with direct access to the WebSphere Application Server administrative interface. This access could enable attackers to perform privileged operations such as deploying malicious applications, modifying system configurations, accessing sensitive data repositories, or establishing persistent access points within the enterprise network. The vulnerability affects organizations using IBM Rational Asset Analyzer for software asset management, potentially compromising the security posture of entire software development and deployment environments. Attackers could leverage this access to escalate privileges, conduct lateral movement, or establish backdoors that persist beyond the initial compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of the vendor-provided fix pack 10 for IBM Rational Asset Analyzer 6.1.0, which addresses the improper log file handling issue. Organizations should also implement comprehensive log management practices that include regular log file audits, access controls on sensitive log files, and automated monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. System administrators should conduct thorough security reviews of installation processes and ensure that all temporary files and logs containing sensitive information are properly secured and deleted after installation completion. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege and network segmentation can help limit the potential impact of credential exposure, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar information disclosure vulnerabilities in other enterprise software components. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper configuration management during software installation processes, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for "Credentials in Files" and T1078.004 for "Valid Accounts" in the enterprise attack framework.