CVE-2017-1231 in BigFix Platform
Summary
by MITRE
IBM BigFix Platform 9.5 - 9.5.9 stores user credentials in plain in clear text which can be read by a local user. IBM X-Force ID: 123910.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1231 affects IBM BigFix Platform versions 9.5 through 9.5.9, representing a critical security flaw in credential storage mechanisms. This issue manifests as plaintext storage of user credentials within the system, creating an exploitable condition that allows local users to access sensitive authentication information without requiring additional privileges or complex attack vectors. The vulnerability specifically impacts the platform's handling of user authentication data, which should normally be protected through proper encryption and access control measures.
The technical implementation flaw resides in the platform's credential management system where authentication tokens and user passwords are stored in unencrypted format within system files or databases. This practice violates fundamental security principles and creates a persistent exposure that remains active throughout the system's operational lifecycle. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and represents a failure in proper data protection mechanisms that should be implemented at multiple layers of the security architecture. Attackers with local system access can directly read these stored credentials, potentially gaining unauthorized access to additional systems or services that rely on the compromised credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate credential compromise, as it enables lateral movement within networks where BigFix Platform is deployed. Local users who can access the system files containing these plaintext credentials can potentially escalate their privileges or gain access to other systems that share authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 (Valid Accounts) as it exploits legitimate user credentials to maintain persistence and access. The exposure creates significant risk for organizations relying on BigFix for endpoint management, as compromised credentials can provide attackers with administrative access to managed endpoints and potentially enable broader network infiltration.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to IBM BigFix Platform versions that address this vulnerability, implementing proper file system access controls to limit local user privileges, and establishing monitoring for unauthorized access to credential storage locations. Additional security measures should include regular credential rotation, implementation of multi-factor authentication, and deployment of network segmentation to limit the impact of credential compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper credential handling practices and highlights the need for comprehensive security controls that protect sensitive information at rest. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify any other systems storing credentials in plaintext and implement appropriate encryption mechanisms to protect authentication data across their infrastructure.