CVE-2023-37396 in Aspera Faspex
Summary
by MITRE • 04/19/2024
IBM Aspera Faspex 5.0.0 through 5.0.7 could allow a local user to obtain sensitive information due to improper encryption of certain data. IBM X-Force ID: 259671.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-37396 affects IBM Aspera Faspex versions 5.0.0 through 5.0.7, representing a critical security flaw that exposes sensitive data through inadequate encryption practices. This issue specifically targets local users who can exploit the improper handling of certain data elements within the application's encryption mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly encrypt sensitive information, creating potential exposure pathways for unauthorized access to confidential data. The affected system operates under the premise that certain data elements should remain protected through robust encryption protocols, yet the implementation falls short of maintaining adequate security standards. This weakness allows local adversaries to potentially extract sensitive information that should have been safeguarded through proper cryptographic measures.
The technical implementation flaw manifests in how the application manages data encryption processes, particularly when handling specific data categories that require enhanced protection. The vulnerability arises from insufficient cryptographic controls that fail to adequately protect sensitive information during processing or storage phases. Attackers with local access can exploit this weakness to obtain data that should remain encrypted and protected. The improper encryption implementation creates a scenario where certain data elements are stored or transmitted without adequate protection mechanisms, potentially exposing credentials, personal information, or other confidential data. This flaw represents a failure in the application's security architecture to maintain proper data protection standards throughout its operational lifecycle. The vulnerability specifically impacts the encryption algorithms or implementation methods used for sensitive data handling, creating a direct pathway for information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of systems that rely on IBM Aspera Faspex for secure data transfer and management. Organizations utilizing affected versions may face significant risks including unauthorized data access, potential regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage from data breaches. The local user access requirement means that the vulnerability can be exploited by individuals with legitimate system access, making detection more challenging and potentially allowing for prolonged unauthorized access to sensitive information. This weakness undermines the trust model that users place in the application's security mechanisms, particularly in environments where data confidentiality is paramount. The vulnerability also affects the overall security posture of organizations relying on Aspera Faspex for enterprise data transfers, potentially creating cascading security implications across connected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-37396 should prioritize immediate updates to IBM Aspera Faspex to versions that address the encryption implementation flaws. Organizations must implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary security updates. Additional protective measures include enhanced monitoring of local system access and implementation of network segmentation to limit potential exploitation pathways. Security teams should conduct thorough assessments of data handling practices within the application to identify and remediate any additional encryption weaknesses. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-311, which addresses missing encryption of sensitive data, and may also relate to CWE-312, concerning cleartext transmission of sensitive information. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability could map to ATT&CK technique T1005, focusing on data from local systems, and potentially T1566, involving spearphishing with attachments that could exploit the weakened encryption environment. Organizations should also consider implementing additional access controls and privilege management to reduce the potential impact of local access exploitation.