CVE-2019-4156 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

IBM Security Access Manager versions 9.0.1 through 9.0.6 are affected by a vulnerability related to weak cryptographic algorithms, potentially leading to unauthorized data decryption.

Understanding CVE-2019-4156

This CVE involves a medium-severity vulnerability in IBM Security Access Manager versions 9.0.1 through 9.0.6, impacting confidentiality.

What is CVE-2019-4156?

The cryptographic algorithms used in IBM Security Access Manager versions 9.0.1 through 9.0.6 are weaker than expected, allowing unauthorized individuals to potentially decrypt highly sensitive data. The vulnerability has been assigned IBM X-Force ID: 158572.

The Impact of CVE-2019-4156

CVSS Base Score: 5.9 (Medium)
Confidentiality Impact: High
Attack Vector: Network
Exploit Code Maturity: Unproven
This vulnerability could result in unauthorized access to sensitive information, posing a risk to data confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-4156

IBM Security Access Manager versions 9.0.1 through 9.0.6 are susceptible to attacks due to weak cryptographic algorithms.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows attackers to potentially decrypt highly sensitive data due to the inadequate strength of cryptographic algorithms in the affected versions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: Security Access Manager
Vendor: IBM
Affected Versions: 9.0.1, 9.0.2, 9.0.3, 9.0.4, 9.0.5, 9.0.6

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: High
User Interaction: None
Privileges Required: None
Scope: Unchanged
The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring user interaction or privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate action and long-term security practices are crucial to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2019-4156.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update IBM Security Access Manager to a secure version.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity.
Implement strong access controls and encryption mechanisms.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify weaknesses.
Educate users on security best practices to prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Apply official fixes provided by IBM to address the vulnerability and enhance the security of the affected systems.