CVE-2019-4676 in Security Identity Manager Virtual Appliance
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Identity Manager Virtual Appliance 7.0.2 stores user credentials in plain in clear text which can be read by a local user. IBM X-Force ID: 171512.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-4676 affects IBM Security Identity Manager Virtual Appliance version 7.0.2, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the fundamental principle of credential protection. This issue stems from improper handling of sensitive authentication data within the system's configuration files, where user credentials are stored in plaintext format rather than being adequately encrypted or obfuscated. The flaw exists at the system-level configuration management, where administrative credentials and user authentication details are persisted in accessible locations without appropriate cryptographic protection mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows any local user with access to the system to read stored credentials directly from configuration files, effectively eliminating the security boundary between legitimate administrative access and unauthorized credential extraction. This represents a classic case of inadequate data protection practices, where sensitive information is stored without proper encryption or access controls, enabling privilege escalation and unauthorized system access. The vulnerability manifests as a failure to implement proper credential storage security measures, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors with local system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to gain persistent access to the identity management infrastructure and potentially compromise the entire security ecosystem. Local users can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges, access restricted system components, and perform unauthorized administrative actions that would normally require proper authentication. This vulnerability undermines the core security model of the identity management system, as it allows attackers to bypass the authentication mechanisms that should protect system integrity and user data confidentiality. The attack vector is particularly concerning given that it requires only local system access, making it accessible to both malicious insiders and attackers who have gained initial foothold through other means.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper credential storage mechanisms that adhere to security best practices and industry standards such as those outlined in CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-522 (Insufficiently Protected Credentials). Organizations should immediately implement configuration changes to ensure that all user credentials are encrypted at rest using strong encryption algorithms, with keys properly managed and separated from the system data. The solution should include mandatory encryption of all authentication data, implementation of proper access controls for configuration files, and regular security auditing of system configurations. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive configuration files and establish automated remediation processes to ensure compliance with security policies. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of following secure coding practices and proper information security management as outlined in various security frameworks and standards including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework for credential access and privilege escalation techniques.