CVE-2021-29904 in Jazz for Service Management
Summary
by MITRE • 09/24/2021
IBM Jazz for Service Management 1.1.3.10 and IBM Tivoli Netcool/OMNIbus_GUI displays user credentials in plain clear text which can be read by a local user. IBM X-Force ID: 207610.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2021
This vulnerability exists within IBM Jazz for Service Management version 1.1.3.10 and IBM Tivoli Netcool/OMNIbus_GUI where user credentials are stored and displayed in plaintext format, creating a critical security exposure for local system users. The flaw represents a fundamental failure in credential handling and storage practices that directly violates established security principles for protecting sensitive authentication data. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage or transmission, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access is possible.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper credential management within the application's user interface components. When users authenticate to the system, their credentials are not adequately encrypted or obfuscated during storage or display operations, allowing any local user with access to the system to read these sensitive details directly from memory or storage locations. This represents a classic case of insufficient data protection mechanisms and inadequate security controls for handling authentication information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer where user credentials are processed and displayed, creating multiple potential attack vectors for local privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive business data. Local users who can access the system can exploit this flaw to obtain valid authentication credentials for other users, potentially enabling them to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to protected resources. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials usage, allowing adversaries to maintain persistence and access systems through stolen authentication information. The exposure of credentials in plaintext format creates a direct pathway for privilege escalation attacks and unauthorized system access that could lead to significant data breaches and operational disruptions.
Organizations utilizing these IBM products should immediately implement mitigations including comprehensive credential encryption, proper access controls, and system hardening measures to prevent local users from accessing sensitive credential information. The vulnerability requires immediate attention through patch management procedures and should be prioritized alongside other critical security flaws. System administrators should conduct thorough audits of credential storage mechanisms and implement proper encryption standards to prevent similar issues in the future. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following security best practices for credential management and highlights the necessity of implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect sensitive authentication data from local system access.