CVE-2021-38979 in Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager 3.0, 3.0.1, 4.0, and 4.1 uses a one-way cryptographic hash against an input that should not be reversible, such as a password, but the software does not also use a salt as part of the input. IBM X-Force ID: 212785.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-38979 affects IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager versions 3.0, 3.0.1, 4.0, and 4.1, representing a significant cryptographic weakness in the system's password handling mechanisms. This flaw resides in the software's implementation of one-way cryptographic hashing functions that are intended to provide irreversible password storage, yet the system fails to incorporate proper salting mechanisms during the hashing process. The absence of salt creates a critical security gap that undermines the fundamental security properties of the cryptographic implementation.
The technical flaw stems from the improper use of cryptographic hash functions without incorporating unique salt values for each password input. When passwords are hashed without salt, attackers can employ rainbow table attacks or precomputed hash dictionaries to reverse-engineer password hashes, significantly reducing the computational effort required to compromise user credentials. This vulnerability directly violates established cryptographic best practices and security standards, as outlined in the National Institute of Standards and Technology guidelines for password storage. The weakness creates a predictable pattern in the hash outputs that makes brute force and dictionary attacks exponentially more effective.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential compromise, as it affects the entire security posture of systems relying on IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager for key management operations. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to sensitive cryptographic keys and certificates managed by the system, potentially leading to widespread security breaches across enterprise environments. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-759, which specifically addresses the use of a one-way hash without salt, and represents a direct violation of the principle of defense in depth within security architecture frameworks. Organizations utilizing affected versions may experience cascading security failures as compromised credentials can be used to access additional systems and resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper cryptographic practices including the introduction of unique salt values for each password hash, upgrading to supported versions of IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager that address this weakness, and conducting comprehensive security audits of all password storage mechanisms within the organization. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as multi-factor authentication, regular security assessments, and monitoring for suspicious authentication attempts. The remediation process must include rehashing existing password databases with proper salting mechanisms to ensure that previously compromised credentials cannot be exploited through rainbow table attacks. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following established security frameworks such as those defined in the MITRE ATT&CK matrix for credential access techniques, particularly those involving password cracking and hash analysis methods.