CVE-2020-4408 : Security Advisory and Response

IBM QRadar Advisor versions 1.1 through 2.5.2 with Watson App for IBM QRadar SIEM have a vulnerability that exposes passwords to physical attackers nearby.

Understanding CVE-2020-4408

This CVE involves a password masking issue in IBM QRadar Advisor versions 1.1 through 2.5.2, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information.

What is CVE-2020-4408?

The IBM QRadar Advisor 1.1 through 2.5.2 with Watson App for IBM QRadar SIEM does not adequately mask all passwords during input, which could be obtained by a physical attacker nearby. IBM X-Force ID: 179536.

The Impact of CVE-2020-4408

CVSS Base Score: 4.2 (Medium)
Confidentiality Impact: High
Attack Vector: Physical
Exploit Code Maturity: Unproven
This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, posing a risk to confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-4408

This section provides more in-depth technical details of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in IBM QRadar Advisor versions 1.1 through 2.5.2 allows passwords to be exposed to physical attackers during input.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Versions: 1.1, 2.5.2
Product: Qradar Advisor
Vendor: IBM

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a physical attacker in close proximity to the affected system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-4408, follow these mitigation steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement strong physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access to systems.
Regularly monitor and audit password input processes.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security training for employees on password security best practices.
Implement multi-factor authentication to enhance access control.

Patching and Updates

Apply official fixes provided by IBM to address the password masking vulnerability in IBM QRadar Advisor versions 1.1 through 2.5.2.