CVE-2020-4891 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

IBM Spectrum Scale versions 5.0.0 to 5.0.5.5 and 5.1.0 to 5.1.0.2 are affected by an account lockout setting vulnerability that could enable a local user to brute force Rest API account credentials.

Understanding CVE-2020-4891

This CVE involves inadequate account lockout settings in IBM Spectrum Scale versions, potentially leading to unauthorized access.

What is CVE-2020-4891?

IBM Spectrum Scale 5.0.0 through 5.0.5.5 and 5.1.0 through 5.1.0.2 have a security flaw that could allow a local user to perform brute force attacks on Rest API account credentials.

The Impact of CVE-2020-4891

CVSS Base Score: 6.2 (Medium Severity)
Confidentiality Impact: High
Attack Vector: Local
Exploit Code Maturity: Unproven
This vulnerability could result in unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-4891

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from inadequate account lockout settings in IBM Spectrum Scale, potentially enabling unauthorized access.

Affected Systems and Versions

IBM Spectrum Scale 5.0.0
IBM Spectrum Scale 5.0.5.5
IBM Spectrum Scale 5.1.0
IBM Spectrum Scale 5.1.0.2

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows a local user to perform brute force attacks on Rest API account credentials, potentially gaining unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the official fix provided by IBM to address the vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict access to sensitive systems and data.
Educate users on strong password practices and account security.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch IBM Spectrum Scale to prevent security vulnerabilities.
Implement multi-factor authentication to enhance account security.

Patching and Updates

IBM has released an official fix to address the vulnerability in affected versions of IBM Spectrum Scale.