CVE-2022-34333 in Sterling Order Management
Summary
by MITRE • 04/07/2023
IBM Sterling Order Management 10.0 does not require that users should have strong passwords by default, which makes it easier for attackers to compromise user accounts. IBM X-Force ID: 229698.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-34333 affects IBM Sterling Order Management version 10.0, specifically addressing weak password requirements within the authentication framework. This issue represents a significant security gap that undermines the system's ability to protect user accounts from unauthorized access attempts. The flaw exists in the default configuration where the system does not enforce strong password policies, creating an exploitable condition that adversaries can leverage to gain unauthorized access to user accounts. The vulnerability directly impacts the authentication security posture of the platform, potentially allowing attackers to compromise user credentials through brute force attacks, credential stuffing, or password guessing techniques.
This weakness stems from the absence of mandatory password strength controls within the IBM Sterling Order Management system, making it susceptible to various credential-based attacks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-521 Weak Password Requirements, which specifically addresses the lack of sufficient password complexity controls that make systems vulnerable to automated password cracking attempts. The default configuration fails to implement minimum password length requirements, complexity rules, or password history restrictions that are fundamental to secure authentication practices. Attackers can exploit this by attempting to guess or crack user passwords using readily available tools and techniques, particularly when users employ predictable or easily guessable credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as compromised user accounts can provide attackers with elevated privileges within the order management system. IBM Sterling Order Management typically handles sensitive business data including customer information, order details, and financial transactions, making compromised accounts particularly valuable to threat actors. The vulnerability creates an attack surface that aligns with multiple ATT&CK techniques including credential access methods such as brute force attacks and credential dumping. Organizations using this system may experience unauthorized data access, potential data breaches, and disruption to order processing workflows that could impact business operations and customer trust.
Organizations should immediately implement password policy enforcement mechanisms to address this vulnerability, ensuring that all user accounts comply with strong password requirements including minimum length, complexity requirements, and regular password rotation. The mitigation strategy should include configuring the system to enforce password strength policies, implementing account lockout mechanisms after failed authentication attempts, and conducting regular security assessments to verify compliance with password security standards. System administrators should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication as an additional security layer to protect against credential compromise even if password policies are not properly enforced. Regular security updates and patches from IBM should be applied to ensure that the system maintains adequate security controls against known vulnerabilities.