CVE-2021-20439 in Security Access Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 07/15/2021
IBM Security Access Manager 9.0 and IBM Security Verify Access Docker 10.0.0 stores user credentials in plain clear text which can be read by an unauthorized user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2021
IBM Security Access Manager 9.0 and IBM Security Verify Access Docker 10.0.0 contain a critical configuration flaw that violates fundamental security principles by storing user credentials in plain text format. This vulnerability represents a severe failure in credential management practices and directly contravenes industry standards such as cwe-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling. The flaw occurs at the configuration level where authentication credentials are persistently stored without any form of encryption or obfuscation, creating an easily exploitable attack surface for malicious actors who gain access to the system's storage mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper credential handling within the docker containerized deployment environment of IBM's access management solutions. When user authentication information is stored in clear text format, any individual with access to the system's file system or container storage can directly read and extract these credentials without requiring additional cryptographic attacks or complex exploitation techniques. This design flaw operates at the application layer and affects the integrity and confidentiality of authentication data, making it particularly dangerous in multi-tenant or shared hosting environments where unauthorized access to system resources may occur through various attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access to protected systems and resources. An unauthorized user who gains access to the system can immediately leverage stolen credentials to impersonate legitimate users, escalate privileges, or move laterally within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly maps to attack patterns described in the attack tree methodology, particularly those involving credential access and privilege escalation. The consequences are exacerbated when considering that these products are typically deployed in enterprise environments where they control access to critical business applications and data repositories, making the potential damage significant from both operational and compliance perspectives.
Organizations utilizing these IBM security products face substantial risk mitigation challenges when this vulnerability exists in their environment. The remediation approach requires immediate attention to credential storage configurations, including implementation of proper encryption mechanisms for all stored authentication data. Security professionals should implement comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized access attempts and establish strict access controls for system storage areas. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and configuration management protocols as outlined in various security frameworks including nist 800-53 and iso 27001 standards, which emphasize the protection of sensitive information through proper data handling and encryption practices. Organizations must conduct immediate vulnerability assessments to identify systems affected by this flaw and implement appropriate controls to prevent unauthorized credential access.
This vulnerability represents a fundamental failure in the security architecture of IBM's access management solutions and demonstrates the critical importance of proper credential management in identity and access management systems. The clear text storage of credentials violates core security principles and creates an attack vector that requires minimal sophistication to exploit successfully, making it particularly dangerous in environments where system access controls may be compromised through various means. The long-term implications include potential regulatory violations, compliance failures, and significant operational risks that organizations must address through immediate remediation and enhanced security monitoring practices.