CVE-2017-1339 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

IBM Spectrum Protect versions 7.1 and 8.1 (formerly Tivoli Storage Manager) are affected by a weak password encryption vulnerability that could allow a database administrator to decrypt client or administrator passwords, potentially leading to information disclosure or denial of service.

Understanding CVE-2017-1339

This CVE involves a weakness in password encryption in IBM Spectrum Protect versions 7.1 and 8.1, posing a risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information.

What is CVE-2017-1339?

The vulnerability in IBM Spectrum Protect versions 7.1 and 8.1 allows a database administrator to decrypt client or administrator passwords due to weak encryption, potentially resulting in information exposure or service disruption.

The Impact of CVE-2017-1339

The weak password encryption in IBM Spectrum Protect 7.1 and 8.1 could lead to:

Disclosure of sensitive information
Denial of service attacks

Technical Details of CVE-2017-1339

This section provides technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The password encryption weakness in IBM Spectrum Protect versions 7.1 and 8.1 enables a database administrator to decrypt client or administrator passwords, compromising data security.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Spectrum Protect
Vendor: IBM
Affected Versions: 7.1, 8.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows a database administrator to exploit weak password encryption to decrypt passwords, potentially leading to unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-1339 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update IBM Spectrum Protect to a secure version
Change all passwords associated with IBM Spectrum Protect
Monitor for any unauthorized access or suspicious activities

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strong password policies and encryption methods
Regularly audit and review password security practices
Educate users on password best practices and security awareness

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by IBM for Spectrum Protect
Stay informed about security advisories and updates from IBM