CVE-2018-1608 in Rational Engineering Lifecycle Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Rational Engineering Lifecycle Manager 6.0 through 6.0.6 uses weaker than expected cryptographic algorithms that could allow an attacker to decrypt highly sensitive information. IBM X-Force ID: 143798.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2023
IBM Rational Engineering Lifecycle Manager versions 6.0 through 6.0.6 contains a cryptographic vulnerability that undermines the security of sensitive data through the use of weaker than expected cryptographic algorithms. This weakness specifically affects the encryption mechanisms employed within the platform, potentially allowing unauthorized parties to decrypt confidential information that should remain protected. The vulnerability stems from the implementation of cryptographic functions that do not meet contemporary security standards, creating exploitable gaps in the system's data protection framework. Organizations utilizing these versions of the software face significant risk of data breaches and information disclosure when sensitive engineering data, requirements, and lifecycle management information is processed through the affected system.
The technical flaw manifests in the cryptographic implementation where the system employs algorithms that are either deprecated, insufficiently strong, or improperly configured to provide adequate protection for sensitive data at rest and in transit. This weakness can be exploited by attackers who gain access to encrypted data or network communications, potentially decrypting information without proper authorization. The vulnerability impacts the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad, as the cryptographic failures directly compromise the protection mechanisms designed to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive engineering information. Attackers could leverage this weakness to obtain intellectual property, system configurations, user credentials, and other critical data that forms part of the engineering lifecycle management process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it undermines the trust and integrity of the entire Rational Engineering Lifecycle Manager platform. Organizations relying on this system for managing complex engineering projects face potential business disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage when sensitive project data becomes accessible to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability affects not only the direct data stored within the system but also any information transmitted through the platform, creating cascading security implications for engineering teams and organizations that depend on secure data handling. The weakness becomes particularly critical in environments where the software handles proprietary designs, security requirements, or regulatory compliance data that must remain protected throughout the engineering lifecycle.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of IBM Rational Engineering Lifecycle Manager to address this cryptographic weakness and ensure proper data protection. The recommended mitigation involves implementing the latest security updates provided by IBM, which include stronger cryptographic algorithms and improved implementation practices. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any instances of the affected software versions and ensure complete remediation across all engineering lifecycle management environments. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing supplementary security controls such as network segmentation, access controls, and monitoring mechanisms to reduce the attack surface and detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms, and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1552 for unsecured credentials and T1071 for application layer protocol usage.