CVE-2017-1179 in BigFix Compliance
Summary
by MITRE
IBM BigFix Compliance Analytics 1.9.79 uses weaker than expected cryptographic algorithms that could allow an attacker to decrypt highly sensitive information. IBM X-Force ID: 123431.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2020
IBM BigFix Compliance Analytics version 1.9.79 contains a cryptographic vulnerability that exposes sensitive data to potential attackers through the use of weakened encryption algorithms. This vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient cryptographic strength as classified by CWE-327, where the system employs cryptographic functions that are either inherently weak or improperly implemented. The flaw specifically impacts the encryption mechanisms used within the compliance analytics platform, which processes and stores highly sensitive information related to organizational security compliance data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the use of cryptographic algorithms that do not meet modern security standards for data protection. Attackers can exploit this weakness to decrypt sensitive information that should remain protected through strong encryption protocols. The vulnerability creates an attack surface where adversaries can potentially access compliance reports, security configurations, and other confidential data processed by the analytics platform. This weakness directly violates the principle of least privilege and data confidentiality that security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-57 and ISO/IEC 27001 require for protecting sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it compromises the integrity of the entire compliance analytics framework. Organizations relying on BigFix Compliance Analytics for security monitoring and regulatory compliance may face significant risks including regulatory violations, data breaches, and loss of stakeholder trust. The vulnerability enables adversaries to potentially gain unauthorized access to critical security information that would normally be protected through robust cryptographic measures. This weakness can be leveraged in conjunction with other attack vectors to escalate privileges and gain deeper access to organizational networks, aligning with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1566 for credential access and T1041 for data encryption for impact.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of IBM BigFix Compliance Analytics, reviewing and strengthening cryptographic configurations, and implementing additional monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The remediation process should involve comprehensive cryptographic assessments to ensure all encryption mechanisms meet current security standards. Security teams must also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other systems using similar weak cryptographic implementations. Regular security audits and compliance monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, with particular attention to network traffic patterns that might indicate decryption activities. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date cryptographic implementations and demonstrates how outdated security practices can create significant organizational risks that extend far beyond the immediate technical impact.