CVE-2018-1650 in QRadar SIEM
Summary
by MITRE
IBM QRadar SIEM 7.2 and 7.3 uses hard-coded credentials which could allow an attacker to bypass the authentication configured by the administrator. IBM X-Force ID: 144656.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1650 affects IBM QRadar SIEM versions 7.2 and 7.3, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that undermines the security posture of security information and event management systems. This vulnerability stems from the improper implementation of authentication mechanisms where hardcoded credentials are embedded within the software components, creating a persistent backdoor that persists across system updates and reboots. The flaw specifically targets the authentication framework that administrators configure to protect access to the QRadar console and its associated services.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the presence of hardcoded usernames and passwords within the application code or configuration files that are not configurable by administrators. These credentials remain static regardless of system administration actions or password policies, allowing unauthorized parties to gain access to the system without proper authentication. The vulnerability exists at the application level and affects the core authentication services that govern access to the QRadar management console, event processing capabilities, and integration points with other security tools. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain administrative privileges and execute arbitrary commands on the affected system, potentially leading to full system compromise and data exfiltration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to manipulate security events, modify system configurations, and access sensitive data without detection. The hard-coded credentials provide persistent access that bypasses all normal authentication controls, including multi-factor authentication mechanisms that administrators may have implemented. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the fundamental security architecture of the SIEM platform, potentially allowing attackers to remain undetected for extended periods while monitoring and controlling security events. The attack surface is significant as it affects both the management interface and underlying system services, potentially enabling lateral movement within networks where QRadar is deployed.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches and updates that address the hardcoded credential issue. System administrators should conduct thorough audits of all QRadar installations to identify any instances of hardcoded credentials and replace them with properly configured authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hardcoded passwords, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in security design. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1078 for valid accounts and T1068 for local privilege escalation, as attackers can leverage the hardcoded credentials to establish persistent access and elevate privileges. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates poor secure coding practices and highlights the importance of proper credential management and authentication design in security-critical applications. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that no other hardcoded credentials exist within the system and that all authentication mechanisms function properly with the updated configuration.