CVE-2024-41775 in Cognos Controller
Summary
by MITRE • 12/03/2024
IBM Cognos Controller 11.0.0 and 11.0.1 uses weaker than expected cryptographic algorithms that could allow an attacker to decrypt highly sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2024
IBM Cognos Controller version 11.0.0 and 11.0.1 contains a cryptographic weakness that significantly undermines the security of sensitive data protection mechanisms. This vulnerability falls under the category of weak cryptographic algorithms as defined by CWE-327, where the system employs encryption methods that are either outdated, improperly implemented, or use insufficient key lengths to provide adequate security protection. The flaw specifically affects the cryptographic implementations used within the application's data encryption processes, potentially allowing unauthorized parties to access confidential business intelligence and financial data that should remain protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the use of cryptographic algorithms that do not meet current security standards for data protection. Attackers exploiting this weakness could potentially decrypt sensitive information that is stored or transmitted through the IBM Cognos Controller platform. This includes financial reports, business analytics, and other proprietary data that organizations rely on for strategic decision-making and regulatory compliance. The vulnerability represents a critical failure in the application's security architecture, as it directly compromises the confidentiality assurances that cryptographic systems are designed to provide.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates opportunities for financial fraud, competitive disadvantage, and regulatory violations. Organizations using these affected versions of IBM Cognos Controller face significant risk of unauthorized access to their most sensitive business data, potentially leading to substantial financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Cognos Controller is typically used for enterprise-level financial reporting and analysis, making it a prime target for adversaries seeking access to strategic business information. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for unsecured credentials and T1005 for data from local systems, as it enables attackers to extract sensitive information from within the application environment.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of IBM Cognos Controller, implementing additional access controls, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of their financial data systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date cryptographic implementations and following industry standards such as those defined by NIST SP 800-57 for key management and algorithm selection. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts, while ensuring that all sensitive data is protected through stronger encryption methods that meet current security requirements and regulatory compliance standards.