CVE-2018-1377 in Security Guardium Big Data Intelligence
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Guardium Big Data Intelligence (SonarG) 3.1 stores user credentials in plain in clear text which can be read by a local user. IBM X-Force ID: 137778.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1377 represents a critical security flaw in IBM Security Guardium Big Data Intelligence (SonarG) version 3.1 where user credentials are stored in plaintext format within clear text files. This configuration exposes sensitive authentication information to any local user who gains access to the system, fundamentally undermining the security posture of the protected environment. The flaw exists at the data storage level where authentication credentials are not properly encrypted or obfuscated, creating an inherent weakness that can be exploited by adversaries with local system access. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles regarding credential protection and demonstrates poor implementation of access controls and data sanitization practices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper credential handling within the SonarG application architecture. When user authentication details are persisted in clear text format, they become immediately accessible to any process or user with read permissions on the affected files. This design flaw allows local users to extract authentication credentials without requiring additional exploitation techniques or advanced attack vectors. The vulnerability operates at the operating system level where file permissions and access controls are insufficient to prevent unauthorized reading of sensitive information. According to CWE classification, this corresponds to CWE-312: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information, which specifically addresses the improper storage of sensitive data in an easily readable format. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1003.001: OS Credential Dumping, as it provides an easy method for extracting credentials from the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-1377 extends beyond immediate credential theft to encompass broader security implications for organizations relying on the Guardium platform. Local users with access to the system can leverage this vulnerability to escalate their privileges, gain unauthorized access to additional systems, or conduct lateral movement within the network. The exposure of user credentials can lead to persistent access, making it difficult for security teams to detect and remediate the compromise. Organizations may experience significant data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage when such vulnerabilities are exploited. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire security infrastructure, as compromised credentials can be used to access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or disable security controls. This flaw particularly impacts environments where multiple users share systems or where privilege escalation opportunities exist, amplifying the potential damage from a single compromised credential.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1377 require immediate implementation of proper credential encryption and access control measures. Organizations should ensure that all authentication credentials are stored using strong encryption algorithms and that appropriate file permissions are enforced to restrict access to authorized users only. The recommended approach involves implementing secure credential storage mechanisms such as encrypted configuration files or secure key management systems that prevent plaintext storage of sensitive information. System administrators must conduct thorough access control reviews to ensure that only necessary personnel have read access to credential files, while also implementing monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider upgrading to patched versions of IBM Security Guardium Big Data Intelligence where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper credential handling implementation. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components, ensuring comprehensive protection against credential exposure threats. The implementation of these measures aligns with security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 controls for credential management and access control, providing a structured approach to remediation and prevention of similar security weaknesses.