CVE-2016-6095 in Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager 2.5 and 2.6 uses an inadequate account lockout setting that could allow a remote attacker to brute force account credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2019
IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager version 2.5 and 2.6 contains a significant security vulnerability classified as CVE-2016-6095 that stems from inadequate account lockout mechanisms. This flaw represents a critical weakness in the authentication system that could be exploited by remote attackers to perform brute force credential guessing attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects the account lockout functionality which is designed to prevent unauthorized access through repeated failed authentication attempts. When the system fails to properly enforce account lockout policies, it creates an opening for attackers to systematically guess valid usernames and passwords without being blocked or monitored effectively.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-307, which addresses inadequate account lockout mechanisms that fail to prevent brute force attacks. The flaw exists in the authentication subsystem of IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager where the system does not adequately enforce the maximum number of failed login attempts before locking out user accounts. This deficiency allows attackers to repeatedly attempt authentication without triggering the protective mechanisms that should prevent such behavior. The remote nature of the attack means that malicious actors do not need physical access to the system or network to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the system may be accessible from multiple locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive key management operations. Attackers could potentially gain access to cryptographic keys, certificates, and other critical security assets that IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager is designed to protect. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that could enable attackers to escalate privileges, modify key management configurations, or perform unauthorized cryptographic operations. Organizations relying on this system for security key lifecycle management face significant risks including data breaches, unauthorized system modifications, and potential compromise of entire cryptographic infrastructures that depend on proper key management practices.
Effective mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include implementing proper account lockout policies with appropriate thresholds for failed login attempts, configuring the system to enforce automatic account lockout after a predetermined number of unsuccessful authentication attempts, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect and respond to brute force attack patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as multi-factor authentication, network segmentation, and intrusion detection systems to provide defense in depth. The remediation process requires updating to patched versions of IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager where the account lockout mechanisms have been properly implemented according to security best practices and industry standards. Regular security assessments and monitoring of authentication logs should be conducted to identify potential exploitation attempts and ensure that the implemented controls remain effective against evolving attack techniques. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper authentication security mechanisms in key management systems and the potential consequences of inadequate account lockout configurations in enterprise security infrastructure.