CVE-2018-1428 : Security Advisory and Response

IBM GSKit in IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 uses weaker cryptographic algorithms, potentially allowing unauthorized decryption of sensitive data.

Understanding CVE-2018-1428

This CVE involves vulnerabilities in the cryptographic algorithms used by IBM GSKit in specific versions of IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows.

What is CVE-2018-1428?

The cryptographic algorithms utilized by IBM GSKit in versions 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, and 11.1 of IBM DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows are not as robust as expected. This weakness could be exploited by unauthorized entities to decrypt highly sensitive data, posing a significant security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2018-1428

The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access and decryption of extremely sensitive information, potentially compromising the confidentiality of data stored and processed by affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-1428

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from the utilization of weaker cryptographic algorithms in IBM GSKit, creating a potential security gap that could be exploited for unauthorized data decryption.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: DB2 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows
Vendor: IBM
Affected Versions: 9.7, 10.1, 10.5, 11.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Local
Confidentiality Impact: High
Integrity Impact: None
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: None

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-1428 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update affected IBM DB2 versions to the latest secure releases.
Monitor for any unauthorized access or decryption attempts on sensitive data.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strong encryption protocols and regularly update cryptographic algorithms.
Conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by IBM to address the cryptographic algorithm weaknesses and enhance system security.