CVE-2017-1713 in InfoSphere Streams
Summary
by MITRE
IBM InfoSphere Streams 4.2.1 uses weaker than expected cryptographic algorithms that could allow an attacker to decrypt highly sensitive information. IBM X-Force ID: 134632.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2023
IBM InfoSphere Streams version 4.2.1 contains a cryptographic weakness that undermines the security of sensitive data transmission and storage. This vulnerability stems from the application's implementation of cryptographic algorithms that fall below expected security standards, creating potential entry points for malicious actors seeking to access confidential information. The flaw specifically affects the encryption mechanisms used within the streams processing framework, which is designed for real-time data processing and analytics in enterprise environments.
The technical implementation of the cryptographic functions in this version demonstrates a clear deviation from industry best practices for secure communications. The weaker algorithms employed may include outdated encryption standards or improperly configured cryptographic parameters that reduce the effective security strength. This vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to perform cryptographic attacks such as brute force attempts, pattern analysis, or side-channel exploitation that could lead to unauthorized data access. The affected cryptographic implementations likely utilize algorithms with insufficient key lengths or flawed encryption modes that have been deprecated due to known vulnerabilities in modern security practices.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on IBM InfoSphere Streams for critical data processing tasks. The potential impact extends beyond simple data exposure to include compromise of business intelligence, customer information, financial records, and other sensitive data assets that flow through the streams processing environment. Attackers could exploit this weakness to intercept data in transit or access stored information, potentially leading to financial loss, regulatory compliance violations, and damage to organizational reputation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where the streams processing framework handles personally identifiable information, intellectual property, or other high-value data assets.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of IBM InfoSphere Streams where available, implementing additional network security controls, and conducting comprehensive assessments of data flows that utilize the affected cryptographic functions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-327 which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms and represents a clear violation of security best practices outlined in various frameworks including NIST SP 800-57 and ISO/IEC 15408. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation, additional encryption layers, and monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a credential access technique through cryptographic attacks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures beyond the immediate patching of the vulnerability.