CVE-2020-4568 in Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 11/10/2020
IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager 3.0, 3.0.1, and 4.0 stores user credentials in plain in clear text which can be read by a local user. IBM X-Force ID: 184157.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2020
IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager version 3.0, 3.0.1, and 4.0 contains a critical security flaw that allows local users to access stored user credentials in plain text format. This vulnerability represents a fundamental failure in credential storage security practices and falls under the weakness category of CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage. The vulnerability exists because the system does not implement proper encryption or obfuscation mechanisms for sensitive authentication data, leaving passwords, tokens, and other credential information accessible to any user with local system access. This weakness directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers the acquisition of credentials through cleartext storage, making it a particularly dangerous flaw for environments where local access is not strictly controlled.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it can lead to unauthorized access to key management systems and potentially compromise entire cryptographic infrastructures. Attackers with local system access can easily extract authentication credentials and use them to gain elevated privileges within the key lifecycle management environment. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager for critical cryptographic operations, as the compromise of a single local account can potentially lead to widespread access to encryption keys and sensitive data. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the software, indicating a persistent design flaw that was not adequately addressed across different releases, which suggests a broader architectural weakness in the credential handling mechanisms.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including strict access controls for local system accounts, regular security auditing of local user permissions, and implementation of monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized local access attempts. The recommended approach involves enforcing the principle of least privilege for local accounts, implementing mandatory access controls, and deploying additional security layers such as intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious local activity. Security teams should also consider implementing automated credential rotation processes and ensuring that all local accounts are regularly reviewed and validated. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST SP 800-53, which emphasize the need for proper credential management and the prevention of cleartext storage of sensitive information. Organizations must also consider the broader implications of local privilege escalation attacks and implement comprehensive security monitoring to detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability across their infrastructure.