CVE-2016-6102 in Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager 2.5 and 2.6 stores sensitive information in URL parameters. This may lead to information disclosure if unauthorized parties have access to the URLs via server logs, referrer header or browser history. IBM Reference #: 2000359.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6102 affects IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager versions 2.5 and 2.6, representing a significant information disclosure weakness that stems from improper handling of sensitive data within web application interfaces. This flaw manifests when the system incorporates confidential information directly into URL parameters during user sessions, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors who gain access to web server logs, browser history, or referrer headers. The issue fundamentally violates secure coding practices by exposing authentication tokens, session identifiers, or other sensitive credentials through easily accessible URL components, thereby undermining the confidentiality assurances typically expected from enterprise security solutions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the application's URL construction mechanisms where sensitive data elements are embedded within query strings rather than being properly managed through secure session management protocols or encrypted transmission channels. When users navigate through the key lifecycle management interface, the system may include cryptographic keys, user credentials, or operational parameters directly within the URL structure, making these sensitive elements persistently available in web server access logs and browser history. This design flaw aligns with CWE-540, which specifically addresses the inclusion of sensitive information in source code or configuration files, and more broadly with CWE-200, concerning the exposure of sensitive information to unauthorized actors. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1566, specifically focusing on the initial access phase where threat actors exploit information disclosure vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to reconstruct user sessions, impersonate legitimate users, or gain unauthorized access to cryptographic key management operations within the Tivoli environment. Given that key lifecycle management systems handle critical cryptographic assets, the exposure of sensitive information through URL parameters could potentially lead to compromise of entire encryption infrastructures, especially if the disclosed information includes key material or access tokens that facilitate further unauthorized operations. Organizations utilizing this software may face regulatory compliance issues, particularly in environments governed by standards such as pci dss, hipaa, or soc 2, where the protection of sensitive data and cryptographic keys is mandatory. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise and can be achieved through simple log file analysis or browser history examination, making it particularly dangerous in shared computing environments or when users access the system from public computers or network locations where log files might be accessible to unauthorized parties.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate implementation of secure session management practices, including the complete removal of sensitive information from URL parameters and the adoption of proper state management techniques that maintain session data server-side rather than client-side. Organizations must ensure that all URL construction processes are reviewed to eliminate the inclusion of authentication tokens, cryptographic keys, or other sensitive data elements within query strings. The implementation of secure coding practices, such as those outlined in the owasp top 10 security controls, should be enforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future development cycles. Additionally, system administrators should implement proper log rotation and access controls to prevent unauthorized access to server logs, while browser-based security measures such as disabling history caching for sensitive applications can provide additional protective layers. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar information disclosure vulnerabilities throughout the application stack, ensuring comprehensive protection against both current and emerging threats that may exploit similar weaknesses in the system architecture.