CVE-2023-35017 in Security Verify Governance
Summary
by MITRE • 01/29/2025
IBM Security Verify Governance 10.0.2 Identity Manager can transmit user credentials in clear text that could be obtained by an attacker using man in the middle techniques.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2025
IBM Security Verify Governance 10.0.2 Identity Manager contains a critical security vulnerability that allows for plaintext credential transmission during authentication processes, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on this identity management solution. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-312 category, specifically CWE-312: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information, which addresses the improper handling of sensitive data in an unencrypted format. The flaw enables attackers to intercept user credentials through man-in-the-middle attacks, where malicious actors position themselves between the client and server to capture authentication data as it traverses the network. This weakness directly violates security best practices outlined in the NIST SP 800-57 standard for cryptographic key management and authentication protocols.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient transport layer security measures within the identity management framework. When users authenticate through the IBM Security Verify Governance system, their credentials are transmitted without proper encryption, making them susceptible to interception by network-based attackers. The attack vector typically involves an attacker establishing a position within the network path between the user device and the identity management server, allowing them to capture login information in plaintext format. This scenario aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol: DNS, where attackers exploit network protocols to capture sensitive information during authentication processes. The vulnerability affects the core authentication functionality of the system, potentially allowing unauthorized access to user accounts and privileged resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it compromises the fundamental security posture of organizations using IBM Security Verify Governance. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, privilege escalation attacks, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations under standards such as SOX, HIPAA, and GDPR, as the exposure of user credentials constitutes a breach of data protection requirements. The attack surface is particularly concerning for enterprises with distributed workforces or those operating in regulated industries where identity management systems handle highly sensitive information. This vulnerability undermines the trust model that identity management systems are designed to establish, creating a cascading effect that can compromise multiple systems if attackers gain access to privileged accounts.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including enforcing mandatory transport layer encryption through TLS 1.3 protocols and disabling insecure authentication methods that transmit credentials in plaintext. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to monitor for suspicious traffic patterns that may indicate man-in-the-middle attacks. The implementation of certificate pinning mechanisms and proper certificate management practices can help prevent attackers from establishing trusted connections with malicious intermediaries. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive network audits to identify and remediate any insecure communication channels that may be exploited. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be performed to ensure that all authentication components maintain proper encryption standards. The mitigation strategy should align with NIST SP 800-53 security controls, particularly those related to access control and communication security, to establish a robust defense-in-depth approach against credential interception attacks.