CVE-2018-1428 in DB2
Summary
by MITRE
IBM GSKit (IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX and Windows 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1) uses weaker than expected cryptographic algorithms that could allow an attacker to decrypt highly sensitive information. IBM X-Force ID: 139073.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1428 affects IBM GSKit components within IBM DB2 database systems across multiple versions including 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows platforms. This cryptographic weakness represents a significant security risk as it allows attackers to potentially decrypt sensitive information that should remain protected through robust encryption mechanisms. The issue specifically relates to the use of cryptographic algorithms that are weaker than expected, creating opportunities for adversaries to compromise data confidentiality and integrity.
The technical flaw stems from the implementation of cryptographic algorithms within the GSKit framework that fails to meet expected security standards. This weakness manifests when the system employs encryption methods that are susceptible to various cryptographic attacks including brute force attempts, statistical analysis, or known weakness exploitation. The vulnerability impacts the confidentiality of data stored within IBM DB2 systems, particularly when sensitive information is encrypted using the affected cryptographic implementations. The reduced cryptographic strength creates a pathway for attackers to recover plaintext data from encrypted information without proper authorization.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents substantial risks to organizations relying on IBM DB2 for critical data storage and management. The potential for unauthorized data decryption could lead to severe consequences including data breaches, intellectual property theft, financial losses, and regulatory compliance violations. Organizations may face significant operational disruption if attackers successfully exploit this weakness to access confidential databases containing customer information, financial records, or proprietary business data. The impact extends beyond immediate data compromise to include long-term reputation damage and potential legal ramifications.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate remediation through official IBM patches and updates that address the cryptographic algorithm weaknesses in GSKit components. Organizations must prioritize updating their IBM DB2 installations to versions that resolve this vulnerability, while also implementing additional security controls such as network segmentation, access controls, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms, and may be exploited through techniques categorized under ATT&CK matrix tactics such as credential access and defense evasion. Security teams should conduct comprehensive assessments of their database environments to identify systems running vulnerable versions and implement layered security approaches to minimize exposure risk.