CVE-2019-4565 in Security Key Lifecycle Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Key Lifecycle Manager 3.0 and 3.0.1 does not require that users should have strong passwords by default, which makes it easier for attackers to compromise user accounts. IBM X-Force ID: 166626.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-4565 affects IBM Security Key Lifecycle Manager versions 3.0 and 3.0.1, representing a critical weakness in authentication security controls that directly impacts user account protection. This flaw resides in the default configuration settings of the security solution, where the system fails to enforce strong password requirements for user accounts. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-521 Weak Password Requirements, which is a well-documented weakness in software security design that allows systems to accept weak authentication credentials. The issue enables attackers to exploit user accounts through brute force attacks, credential stuffing, or dictionary attacks due to the absence of mandatory strong password policies. This weakness significantly undermines the security posture of organizations relying on this key management solution, as it creates an entry point for unauthorized access to sensitive cryptographic keys and security infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the software's default configuration that does not enforce password complexity requirements such as minimum length, character variety, or resistance to common password patterns. Attackers can leverage this weakness by attempting to guess or crack user passwords using automated tools, taking advantage of the weak default settings that permit easily guessable credentials. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the foundational security controls of the key management system, potentially allowing threat actors to escalate privileges and gain access to cryptographic keys that protect sensitive data and systems. The absence of password strength enforcement creates a persistent security gap that remains unaddressed unless administrators manually configure stronger requirements, which many may overlook or delay implementing in production environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-4565 extends beyond simple credential compromise, as it affects the integrity and confidentiality of cryptographic key management processes. Organizations using this software may experience unauthorized access to key repositories, potentially leading to data breaches, key compromise, and disruption of security operations. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1110.003 Credential Stuffing, where attackers exploit weak password defaults to gain unauthorized access to user accounts. The security implications are particularly severe for organizations managing sensitive cryptographic assets, as compromised user accounts can lead to unauthorized key generation, modification, or deletion. This vulnerability can also facilitate lateral movement within networks where key management systems are integrated with other security infrastructure, as attackers who gain access to one compromised account may be able to access additional systems protected by the same key management solution.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including manual configuration of strong password policies, enforcement of minimum password length requirements, and implementation of password complexity rules within the IBM Security Key Lifecycle Manager system. The recommended approach involves configuring the system to require passwords that meet specific complexity criteria, including minimum length requirements of at least 12 characters, inclusion of uppercase and lowercase letters, numeric values, and special characters. Additionally, organizations should implement account lockout mechanisms and regular password rotation policies to further strengthen authentication security. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure default configurations and aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-63B for authentication and lifecycle management. Regular security assessments and configuration reviews should be conducted to ensure that the system maintains appropriate security controls and that default settings are properly hardened against common attack vectors.