CVE-2019-4639 in Security Secret Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Secret Server 10.7 uses weaker than expected cryptographic algorithms that could allow an attacker to decrypt highly sensitive information. IBM X-Force ID: 170045.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2024
IBM Security Secret Server version 10.7 contains a cryptographic vulnerability that stems from the implementation of weaker-than-expected encryption algorithms within its data protection mechanisms. This vulnerability falls under the category of cryptographic weakness as defined by CWE-327, where the system employs encryption methods that are insufficient to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. The flaw specifically affects the encryption protocols used to secure highly sensitive information stored within the secret server environment, potentially exposing confidential data to decryption attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the use of deprecated or inadequately strong cryptographic primitives that do not meet current security standards for protecting sensitive information. Attackers can exploit this weakness to perform cryptographic attacks against the stored secrets, potentially recovering plaintext data without proper authorization. This represents a significant security risk as the system is designed to protect critical credentials, passwords, and other sensitive information that would be valuable to malicious actors. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects the core cryptographic functions that are fundamental to the system's security posture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it compromises the integrity and confidentiality assurances that organizations rely upon when implementing IBM Security Secret Server. Organizations using this version may experience unauthorized access to critical system credentials, application passwords, and other sensitive data that should remain protected. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the NIST SP 800-57 standard for cryptographic key management and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for unsecured credentials. The attack surface is broad as it affects any data that is encrypted using the vulnerable algorithms within the secret server environment.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to a patched version of IBM Security Secret Server to address this vulnerability, as the cryptographic weakness creates persistent exposure to decryption attacks. The recommended mitigation involves implementing the latest security patches provided by IBM, which typically include stronger encryption algorithms and updated cryptographic protocols. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough assessments of all data protected by the system to identify any potential compromise and implement additional monitoring controls. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure while patches are deployed, as this vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring elevated privileges. The remediation process should include re-encryption of all sensitive data using approved cryptographic standards to ensure complete protection against this specific weakness.