CVE-2016-9738 in QRadar
Summary
by MITRE
IBM QRadar 7.2 and 7.3 does not require that users should have strong passwords by default, which makes it easier for attackers to compromise user accounts. IBM X-Force ID: 119783.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9738 affects IBM QRadar versions 7.2 and 7.3, specifically addressing a critical weakness in the system's default password policy implementation. This flaw represents a significant security gap that directly impacts the authentication mechanisms of the platform, creating an environment where user accounts become vulnerable to unauthorized access attempts. The issue stems from the absence of mandatory strong password requirements within the default configuration, allowing users to establish accounts with weak credentials that do not meet minimum security standards.
This vulnerability falls under the broader category of weak authentication practices and can be classified according to CWE-521 Weak Password Requirements, which specifically addresses the failure to enforce strong password policies in authentication systems. The technical flaw manifests in the system's default configuration where password strength validation is either completely disabled or insufficiently enforced, enabling attackers to exploit this weakness through various methods including dictionary attacks, brute force attempts, or credential stuffing attacks. The absence of password complexity requirements means that users can create accounts with easily guessable passwords such as "password123" or "admin", which significantly reduces the security posture of the entire platform.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential compromise, as it creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by both internal and external threat actors. Attackers can leverage weak passwords to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access points within the network. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1110.001 Brute Force: Password Guessing, as the weak default password policy enables attackers to systematically attempt to guess valid credentials. The implications are particularly severe for security monitoring platforms like QRadar, where compromised accounts can lead to complete loss of situational awareness and potential data breaches.
Organizations utilizing affected IBM QRadar versions face substantial risk mitigation challenges due to this default configuration issue. The vulnerability essentially provides attackers with an easy entry point into the system, as weak passwords require minimal effort to compromise through automated tools. The impact is exacerbated by the fact that many organizations may not be aware of this default configuration issue, leading to prolonged exposure without proper remediation. IBM's own X-Force ID 119783 acknowledges the severity of this issue and emphasizes the need for immediate attention to strengthen password policies within the platform. The vulnerability represents a failure in the principle of least privilege and weak password enforcement, creating an environment where authentication controls are insufficient to protect against common attack vectors. Organizations should implement immediate remediation measures including enforcing strong password policies, implementing account lockout mechanisms, and conducting regular security assessments to identify and address similar configuration weaknesses within their security infrastructure.