CVE-2021-20401 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover the impact of CVE-2021-20401 on IBM QRadar SIEM versions 7.3 and 7.4, with insights into vulnerability details, affected systems, exploitation risks, and mitigation steps for enhanced security.
IBM QRadar SIEM versions 7.3 and 7.4 have been found to contain hard-coded credentials, such as passwords or cryptographic keys, posing a security risk due to their usage in various authentication and encryption processes.
Understanding CVE-2021-20401
This section provides insights into the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact.
What is CVE-2021-20401?
CVE-2021-20401 pertains to the presence of hard-coded credentials within IBM QRadar SIEM versions 7.3 and 7.4, which are utilized for internal authentication, external communications, or data encryption processes.
The Impact of CVE-2021-20401
With a CVSSv3 base score of 5.9 (Medium Severity), this vulnerability can lead to high confidentiality impacts, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information without requiring special privileges.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-20401
This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, including affected systems, exploitation methods, and more.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw involves the inclusion of hard-coded credentials in IBM QRadar SIEM 7.3 and 7.4, creating a potential entry point for malicious actors to exploit the system's authentication and encryption mechanisms.
Affected Systems and Versions
IBM QRadar SIEM versions 7.3 and 7.4 are confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability, necessitating immediate attention from users of these systems.
Exploitation Mechanism
While the exploit code maturity is categorized as 'Unproven,' the presence of hard-coded credentials raises concerns about unauthorized access and data exposure.
Mitigation and Prevention
This section outlines the steps necessary to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-20401 and prevent security incidents in the future.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users of IBM QRadar SIEM 7.3 and 7.4 are advised to apply official fixes provided by IBM to address the hard-coded credentials issue and enhance the security of their systems.
Long-Term Security Practices
Incorporating robust credential management practices, regular security assessments, and staying informed about upcoming patches and updates can help bolster the overall security posture.
Patching and Updates
Stay vigilant for security advisories from IBM regarding CVE-2021-20401, and promptly apply any patches or updates released to address this vulnerability.