CVE-2017-1694 in Integration Bus
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Integration Bus 9.0 and 10.0 transmits user credentials in plain in clear text which can be read by an attacker using man in the middle techniques. IBM X-Force ID: 134165.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1694 affects IBM Integration Bus versions 9.0 and 10.0, representing a critical security flaw in the communication protocols used by this enterprise integration middleware. This issue stems from the improper handling of authentication credentials during network transmission, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to intercept and read sensitive user information. The vulnerability specifically impacts the authentication mechanisms within the IBM Integration Bus platform, which serves as a core component for connecting disparate enterprise systems and applications.
The technical flaw manifests in the transmission of user credentials using unencrypted communication channels, violating fundamental security principles for network authentication. When users authenticate to the IBM Integration Bus system, their credentials are sent in clear text format rather than being encrypted or properly secured during transit. This clear text transmission creates an ideal environment for man-in-the-middle attacks, where malicious actors can position themselves between the client and server to capture authentication data. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext transmission, and represents a classic example of inadequate cryptographic implementation in network protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to enterprise integration services. Attackers who successfully intercept these credentials can gain access to protected integration flows, business data, and administrative functions within the IBM Integration Bus environment. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise settings where the integration bus typically handles sensitive business transactions, customer data, and critical system communications. This vulnerability essentially undermines the security posture of organizations relying on IBM Integration Bus, as it provides attackers with a straightforward path to unauthorized system access without requiring advanced exploitation techniques or specialized tools.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations to address the clear text transmission issue. The primary recommendation involves enabling secure communication protocols such as SSL/TLS encryption for all authentication channels, ensuring that user credentials are properly encrypted during transmission. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol usage for command and control communications, and represents a common attack vector in enterprise environments where legacy systems fail to implement proper cryptographic protections. Organizations should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious traffic patterns that may indicate credential interception attempts.