CVE-2018-1938 in Cloud Private
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Cloud Private 3.1.1 could alllow a local user with administrator privileges to intercept highly sensitive unencrypted data. IBM X-Force ID: 153318.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2023
IBM Cloud Private version 3.1.1 contains a significant security vulnerability that enables local administrators to intercept and access highly sensitive unencrypted data through improper data handling mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically affects the communication protocols used within the platform's administrative interfaces, creating a critical exposure point for privileged users who can exploit the flaw to capture data transmitted between system components. The issue stems from inadequate encryption controls during data transmission processes, particularly when administrative functions are executed within the cloud private environment.
The technical implementation flaw manifests in the way the system handles sensitive data flows between administrative components and backend services. When administrators perform operations within the IBM Cloud Private environment, certain data elements are transmitted without proper encryption mechanisms, leaving them vulnerable to interception attacks. This weakness occurs at the transport layer where data is passed between various system modules, creating a pathway for malicious actors with administrative access to capture unencrypted information streams. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages existing administrative privileges, making the attack surface more accessible to authorized users who already possess elevated system access levels.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it creates a potential for comprehensive data breaches within the cloud private infrastructure. Administrators with legitimate access can exploit this flaw to capture sensitive information including configuration details, user credentials, system logs, and other confidential operational data. The unencrypted nature of the intercepted data means that even if the attacker is an authorized user, they can access information that should remain protected within the system's secure boundaries. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on IBM Cloud Private for sensitive workloads, as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the platform's administrative controls.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-319 (Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information) categories, representing a clear violation of secure communication principles. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1074.001 (Data Staged) and T1041 (Exfiltration Over C2 Channel) as it enables both the staging of intercepted data and potential exfiltration activities. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including mandatory encryption of all administrative data flows, regular security auditing of administrative access patterns, and enhanced monitoring of privileged user activities. The recommended solution involves configuring transport layer encryption for all internal communications and establishing strict access controls that limit the scope of administrative privileges to prevent unauthorized data interception. Additionally, system administrators should implement comprehensive logging and alerting mechanisms to detect any suspicious data access patterns that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.