CVE-2021-29883 : Security Advisory and Response

IBM Standards Processing Engine in Transformation Extender Advanced versions 9.0 and 10.0 does not set the secure attribute on authorization tokens or session cookies, leading to potential information disclosure.

Understanding CVE-2021-29883

This CVE refers to a security issue in IBM Transformation Extender Advanced versions 9.0 and 10.0 that could expose cookie values to attackers.

What is CVE-2021-29883?

The IBM Standards Processing Engine fails to set the secure attribute on authorization tokens or session cookies, allowing attackers to intercept cookie values through insecure links.

The Impact of CVE-2021-29883

Attackers could obtain sensitive cookie information by sending HTTP links to users or embedding them in visited sites, potentially compromising user privacy and security.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-29883

This section provides specific technical details about the vulnerability in IBM Transformation Extender Advanced.

Vulnerability Description

The lack of secure attribute implementation in IBM Transformation Extender Advanced versions 9.0 and 10.0 exposes session cookies to interception, facilitating unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Affected Systems and Versions

IBM Transformation Extender Advanced versions 9.0 and 10.0 are impacted by this vulnerability due to the absence of secure attribute implementation on authorization tokens and session cookies.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this issue by sending HTTP links containing the cookie values to users or planting these links on websites, subsequently intercepting the sent cookies through traffic analysis.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent the risks associated with CVE-2021-29883, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement official fixes or patches provided by IBM to address the vulnerability promptly.
Educate users about the risks of clicking on unknown or suspicious links to mitigate interception attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enforce the use of secure cookies with the 'Secure' attribute set to enhance confidentiality and prevent unauthorized access.
Regularly monitor and audit cookie-related activities to detect any unusual or unauthorized access attempts.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from IBM regarding Transformation Extender Advanced to ensure the latest patches and fixes are applied to mitigate the risk effectively.