CVE-2017-1309 in Infosphere Master Data Management Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM InfoSphere Master Data Management Server 11.0 - 11.6 stores user credentials in plain in clear text which can be read by a local user. IBM X-Force ID: 125463.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2021
This vulnerability exists within IBM InfoSphere Master Data Management Server versions 11.0 through 11.6 where user credentials are stored in plaintext format, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this data management platform. The flaw represents a critical weakness in the system's credential storage mechanisms, allowing local users with access to the system to directly read sensitive authentication information without requiring additional exploitation techniques. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper credential storage as classified by CWE-312, specifically CWE-312, which deals with the exposure of sensitive information through improper storage of credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly encrypt or hash user authentication credentials before storing them in configuration files or database entries. When legitimate users authenticate to the system, their credentials are likely written to storage locations where they remain accessible in plaintext format. This design flaw means that any local user with sufficient privileges to access these storage locations can simply read the credentials directly, bypassing any authentication mechanisms that should protect this sensitive information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it does not require network access or complex exploitation techniques, making it easily accessible to malicious actors who have local system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as compromised credentials can enable attackers to escalate privileges, gain unauthorized access to additional systems, and potentially move laterally within the network environment. Organizations using IBM InfoSphere Master Data Management Server are particularly at risk because master data management systems typically contain highly sensitive information about customers, products, and business entities. The exposure of user credentials through this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, potentially resulting in significant financial losses and regulatory compliance violations. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity aspects of the CIA triad, as it exposes sensitive authentication information and allows for potential unauthorized modifications to the system.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates for IBM InfoSphere Master Data Management Server to address this vulnerability. System administrators should also conduct thorough audits of credential storage locations to identify any remaining plaintext credentials and implement proper encryption mechanisms for all stored authentication information. Additional protective measures include implementing strict access controls on system directories where credentials are stored, monitoring for unauthorized access attempts, and conducting regular security assessments to ensure that no plaintext credentials remain in accessible locations. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including credential access through credential dumping and privilege escalation via local accounts, making it a critical target for defensive measures within enterprise security frameworks. The remediation process should also include reissuing credentials to all affected users and implementing stronger authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication to reduce the impact of any compromised credentials that may have already been exposed.