CVE-2016-8916 in Tivoli Storage Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Storage Manager 5.5, 6.1-6.4, and 7.1 stores password information in a log file that could be read by a local user when a set password command is issued. IBM X-Force ID: 118472.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8916 represents a critical security flaw in IBM Tivoli Storage Manager versions 5.5 through 7.1, where sensitive authentication credentials are inadvertently logged in plaintext within system log files. This weakness stems from the improper handling of password-related commands during execution, specifically when the set password function is invoked. The flaw allows local users to access these log files and extract password information, creating a significant attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors with local system access. The vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles by storing sensitive information in an unsecured format that persists in system logs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the command processing level where IBM Tivoli Storage Manager fails to sanitize or properly handle password inputs during the set password command execution. When users issue password-related commands, the system logs these operations to persistent storage files without adequate protection measures, resulting in cleartext password exposure. This behavior aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper logging practices. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and output sanitization, as password data should never be written to system logs in plaintext format, regardless of the command being executed.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8916 extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it provides attackers with potential access to critical storage infrastructure management systems. Local users who can read the log files gain access to administrative credentials that could be used to modify storage configurations, access sensitive data repositories, or escalate privileges within the storage management environment. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where Tivoli Storage Manager is deployed for critical data protection operations, as compromised credentials could lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to backup systems, and potential disruption of business continuity operations. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these log files are typically accessible to local users with minimal privileges, making exploitation relatively straightforward.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1078 for valid accounts and T1552 for credentials in files. The flaw enables privilege escalation scenarios where local attackers can leverage compromised credentials to gain administrative access to storage systems. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting access to log files, implementing proper log sanitization procedures, and ensuring that password-related commands do not generate persistent log entries containing sensitive information. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring controls to detect unauthorized access to log files and establish proper access controls that limit local user privileges to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation efforts should focus on updating to patched versions of IBM Tivoli Storage Manager and implementing comprehensive log management policies that align with industry best practices for protecting sensitive information in system artifacts.