CVE-2020-4173 : Security Advisory and Response

IBM Guardium Activity Insights 10.6 and 11.0 by IBM lacks secure attribute on authorization tokens or session cookies, potentially exposing sensitive data to attackers.

Understanding CVE-2020-4173

IBM Guardium Activity Insights versions 10.6 and 11.0 are affected by a vulnerability that could allow attackers to obtain cookie values.

What is CVE-2020-4173?

The vulnerability in IBM Guardium Activity Insights versions 10.6 and 11.0 arises from the absence of the secure attribute on authorization tokens or session cookies. This oversight enables attackers to potentially intercept sensitive cookie data.

The Impact of CVE-2020-4173

The vulnerability's impact is rated as low severity, with a CVSS base score of 3.1. Although the confidentiality impact is low, attackers can exploit this flaw with high complexity, requiring user interaction.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-4173

IBM Guardium Activity Insights vulnerability details

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in IBM Guardium Activity Insights versions 10.6 and 11.0 allows attackers to obtain cookie values by manipulating HTTP links, potentially compromising user data.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: InfoSphere Guardium Activity Monitor
Versions: 10.6, 11.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: High
Attack Vector: Network
User Interaction: Required
Exploit Code Maturity: Unproven

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting against CVE-2020-4173

Immediate Steps to Take

IBM recommends applying official fixes promptly to address the vulnerability.
Users should be cautious when clicking on links to prevent potential cookie exposure.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure cookie handling practices to mitigate similar vulnerabilities.
Regularly update and patch systems to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

IBM provides official fixes to address the vulnerability in affected versions of Guardium Activity Insights.