CVE-2018-1814 in Security Access Manager Appliance
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Access Manager Appliance 9.0.1.0, 9.0.2.0, 9.0.3.0, 9.0.4.0, and 9.0.5.0 uses weaker than expected cryptographic algorithms that could allow an attacker to decrypt highly sensitive information. IBM X-Force ID: 150018.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2023
The IBM Security Access Manager Appliance vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1814 represents a critical cryptographic weakness that undermines the security posture of organizations relying on this identity and access management solution. This vulnerability affects multiple versions of the appliance including 9.0.1.0 through 9.0.5.0, indicating a widespread issue that has persisted across several releases. The flaw specifically relates to the use of weaker than expected cryptographic algorithms, which creates a significant attack surface for adversaries seeking to compromise sensitive data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it directly impacts the appliance's ability to protect highly sensitive information through inadequate encryption mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the appliance's reliance on cryptographic algorithms that fall below industry-standard security requirements. When cryptographic systems employ weaker algorithms, they become susceptible to various attack vectors including brute force attempts, pattern recognition, and computational attacks that can significantly reduce the time and resources required to break encryption. The vulnerability likely manifests in the appliance's handling of session tokens, authentication credentials, or encrypted data transmission protocols where the encryption strength is insufficient to withstand modern cryptographic analysis. This weakness creates opportunities for attackers to intercept and decrypt sensitive information that should remain protected by robust cryptographic measures.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes organizations to potential data breaches and unauthorized access to critical systems. The IBM Security Access Manager Appliance serves as a gateway for authentication and authorization processes, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate privileges or gain access to protected resources. The ability to decrypt sensitive information through weaker cryptographic algorithms could result in exposure of user credentials, session information, and other confidential data that flows through the appliance. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage if this vulnerability is exploited successfully. The impact extends beyond immediate data compromise to potentially enable broader network infiltration and lateral movement within affected environments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the IBM Security Access Manager Appliance where available, reviewing and strengthening cryptographic configurations, and implementing additional monitoring controls to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-327 which specifically addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms and is categorized under the broader ATT&CK technique of Credential Access through the compromise of authentication systems. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation, enhanced logging, and regular cryptographic assessments to reduce the attack surface. Additionally, organizations should review their incident response procedures to ensure readiness for potential exploitation of this vulnerability and maintain close communication with IBM regarding security updates and advisories.