CVE-2017-1504 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Application Server version 9.0.0.4 could provide weaker than expected security after using the PasswordUtil command to enable AES password encryption. IBM X-Force ID: 129579.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1504 affects IBM WebSphere Application Server version 9.0.0.4 and relates to improper implementation of password encryption mechanisms within the PasswordUtil command functionality. This weakness specifically manifests when administrators attempt to enable AES password encryption for security purposes, creating a scenario where the actual encryption strength falls short of the expected security levels. The flaw represents a critical deviation from the intended cryptographic security measures that organizations rely upon to protect sensitive authentication credentials within enterprise application environments.
The technical implementation flaw stems from how the PasswordUtil command processes and applies AES encryption parameters when enabling password encryption within the WebSphere environment. Rather than implementing robust encryption with appropriate key lengths and initialization vectors, the system fails to properly configure the encryption algorithm, resulting in weaker cryptographic protection than advertised. This vulnerability falls under the category of cryptographic weakness as classified by CWE-326, which specifically addresses the use of weak encryption algorithms or improper implementation of cryptographic functions. The improper configuration of encryption parameters creates a situation where attackers could potentially exploit the reduced security strength to compromise password-based authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it undermines the fundamental security posture of applications relying on WebSphere for authentication management. Organizations using the affected version may experience reduced protection against password cracking attempts, dictionary attacks, and other credential compromise techniques that exploit weak encryption implementations. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where administrators have relied on the PasswordUtil command to enhance security, creating a false sense of security while simultaneously weakening the actual protection mechanisms. This weakness can be exploited by attackers with access to the system to perform credential-based attacks that would otherwise be more difficult to execute against properly encrypted password storage.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate remediation through the application of IBM's official security patches and updates that address the specific encryption implementation flaw in the PasswordUtil command. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive audits of their WebSphere configuration to identify any instances where password encryption has been enabled through the vulnerable command. Security teams should implement monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts to password-related configuration components and establish more robust credential management practices that do not rely solely on the vulnerable encryption mechanism. Additionally, administrators should consider alternative encryption approaches or implement additional security controls such as multi-factor authentication to compensate for the weakened encryption environment. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper cryptographic implementation and testing as outlined in the NIST SP 800-57 standards for cryptographic key management and the ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for credentials from password storage providers. Organizations must ensure that their security configurations do not inadvertently create cryptographic weaknesses that could be exploited by adversaries seeking to compromise authentication systems.