CVE-2020-4619 in Data Risk Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Data Risk Manager (iDNA) 2.0.6 stores user credentials in plain in clear text which can be read by an authenticated user. IBM X-Force ID: 184976.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2020
IBM Data Risk Manager version 2.0.6 contains a critical security flaw that allows authenticated users to access stored credentials in plaintext format. This vulnerability represents a significant weakness in the system's credential management architecture and directly violates fundamental security principles for sensitive data protection. The flaw occurs within the application's internal credential storage mechanism where user authentication details are persisted without adequate encryption or obfuscation measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of sensitive authentication data within the iDNA application framework. When users authenticate to the system, their credentials are stored in clear text within the application's data stores, making them immediately accessible to any user with valid authentication credentials. This design flaw creates an inherent privilege escalation path where authenticated users can directly read and extract stored credentials without requiring additional attack vectors or exploitation techniques. The vulnerability is classified as a weakness in data protection and secure credential handling practices, aligning with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-522 (Insufficiently Protected Credentials).
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to additional systems and resources within the organization's infrastructure. An authenticated user with access to the iDNA application can leverage this weakness to escalate privileges and potentially access other systems where the same credentials may be reused. This creates a cascading security risk that can compromise multiple systems and applications across the enterprise environment. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on centralized credential management systems, as the compromise of one system can lead to widespread credential exposure throughout the network. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability does not require specialized tools or complex exploitation techniques, making it accessible to threat actors with basic authentication privileges.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including mandatory credential encryption, regular security audits of credential storage mechanisms, and comprehensive monitoring of authentication activities. The recommended approach involves deploying cryptographic protection for all stored credentials, implementing strict access controls, and establishing automated alerting for unauthorized credential access attempts. Security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 provide specific guidance for protecting sensitive information and implementing proper credential management practices. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing multi-factor authentication and privilege separation to limit the impact of credential compromise. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and the need for thorough security testing during the software development lifecycle to prevent similar issues from occurring in future releases.