CVE-2019-4508 in QRadar SIEM
Summary
by MITRE
IBM QRadar SIEM 7.3.0 through 7.3.3 uses weak credential storage in some instances which could be decrypted by a local attacker. IBM X-Force ID: 164429.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2024
IBM QRadar SIEM version 7.3.0 through 7.3.3 contains a critical vulnerability in credential storage mechanisms that exposes sensitive authentication data to local attackers. This weakness represents a significant security flaw that undermines the integrity of the system's authentication framework and creates potential entry points for unauthorized access. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of credential encryption within the platform's architecture, allowing attackers with local system access to potentially decrypt stored authentication information.
The technical implementation flaw manifests in the application's credential management system where sensitive data is stored using inadequate encryption algorithms or key management practices. This weakness falls under the CWE-312 category of "Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information" and aligns with CWE-310 which addresses "Cryptographic Issues" in security implementations. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain access to administrative credentials, user accounts, and other sensitive authentication material that should remain protected within the system's secure storage mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges and gain deeper system access. Local attackers who can execute code on the QRadar system can leverage this weakness to access stored credentials for database connections, external system integrations, and administrative accounts. This creates a persistent threat vector that can lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. The vulnerability affects the platform's ability to maintain secure authentication boundaries and undermines the trust model that security administrators rely upon.
Organizations utilizing IBM QRadar SIEM in versions 7.3.0 through 7.3.3 should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updating credential storage configurations. System administrators should review and strengthen local access controls, implement monitoring for unauthorized local access attempts, and conduct thorough credential rotation procedures. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1555.003 which covers "Credentials from Password Stores" and T1078.004 which addresses "Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts" in attack frameworks. Additional mitigations include implementing network segmentation to limit local access privileges, establishing robust audit logging for credential access attempts, and ensuring proper key management practices are followed in all credential storage implementations.