CVE-2021-29838 : Security Advisory and Response

IBM Security Guardium Insights 3.0 could allow a remote attacker to obtain sensitive information due to the failure to properly enable HTTP Strict Transport Security. This vulnerability could be exploited using man-in-the-middle techniques.

Understanding CVE-2021-29838

This section provides a detailed overview of the CVE-2021-29838 vulnerability affecting IBM Security Guardium Insights version 3.0.

What is CVE-2021-29838?

CVE-2021-29838 is a vulnerability in IBM Security Guardium Insights 3.0 that enables a remote attacker to obtain sensitive information through the exploitation of improper HTTP Strict Transport Security settings.

The Impact of CVE-2021-29838

The vulnerability poses a medium-level threat with a CVSS base score of 5.9. It affects confidentiality by allowing attackers to intercept sensitive information without proper encryption.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-29838

In this section, we will delve into the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-29838 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in IBM Security Guardium Insights 3.0 arises from the lack of proper HTTP Strict Transport Security configuration, making it susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

IBM Security Guardium Insights version 3.0 is the only known version affected by this vulnerability at the time of publication.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to intercept sensitive information by conducting man-in-the-middle attacks on communications that should have been secured.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-29838, immediate actions and long-term security measures should be implemented.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should ensure that proper HTTP Strict Transport Security settings are enabled to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Long-Term Security Practices

Establishing a comprehensive security policy, including regular security audits and updates, can help prevent future vulnerabilities in IBM Security Guardium Insights.

Patching and Updates

IBM has released an official fix for this vulnerability in Security Guardium Insights version 3.0. Users are advised to apply the patch promptly to secure their systems.