CVE-2021-29786 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

IBM Jazz Team Server products store user credentials in clear text, exposing them to authenticated users. This vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 6.5, indicating a medium severity level.

Understanding CVE-2021-29786

This CVE, published on October 25, 2021, affects various IBM products such as Engineering Lifecycle Optimization, Rational Collaborative Lifecycle Management, Rational Team Concert, Rational DOORS Next Generation, Rational Engineering Lifecycle Manager, and Engineering Workflow Management.

What is CVE-2021-29786?

CVE-2021-29786 involves the storage of user credentials in clear text by IBM Jazz Team Server products, making them accessible to authenticated users. This can lead to unauthorized access and compromise of sensitive information.

The Impact of CVE-2021-29786

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows authenticated users to read sensitive user credentials stored in plain text. This could result in unauthorized access to critical systems and data, posing a threat to the security and confidentiality of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-29786

This CVE has a CVSSv3 base score of 6.5 (Medium severity) with low attack complexity and network vector. The confidentiality impact is high while integrity impact is none. The exploit code maturity is unproven, and no user interaction is required for exploitation.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves the insecure storage of user credentials by IBM Jazz Team Server products, potentially leading to unauthorized access and misuse of sensitive information.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected products and versions include Engineering Lifecycle Optimization 7.0.1 and 7.0.2, Rational Collaborative Lifecycle Management 6.0.6 and 6.0.6.1, Rational Team Concert 6.0.2, 6.0.6, and 6.0.6.1, Rational DOORS Next Generation 6.0.6, 6.0.6.1, 7.0, 7.0.1, and 7.0.2, Rational Engineering Lifecycle Manager 7.0, 7.0.1, 7.0.2, and Engineering Workflow Management 7.0.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by authenticated users to read user credentials stored in clear text, possibly leading to unauthorized access and security breaches.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate action is required to address this vulnerability and protect the affected systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators are advised to implement the official fix provided by IBM to address this issue. It is crucial to secure user credentials and sensitive data stored within the affected IBM Jazz Team Server products.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations should enforce secure password handling practices, implement robust encryption mechanisms, and regularly update and patch the affected systems to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

IBM has released patches and updates to mitigate CVE-2021-29786. Organizations should apply these fixes promptly to secure their systems and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.