CVE-2021-38973 : Security Advisory and Response

IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager versions 3.0, 3.0.1, 4.0, and 4.1 are impacted by an input validation vulnerability. Learn about the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.

Understanding CVE-2021-38973

This CVE affects IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager, exposing it to potential security risks due to inadequate input validation.

What is CVE-2021-38973?

IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager versions 3.0, 3.0.1, 4.0, and 4.1 fail to properly validate input data, potentially allowing malicious actors to exploit the system.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38973

The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers with high privileges, leading to unauthorized access and potential data compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38973

The vulnerability is rated low in severity with a CVSS base score of 2.4. It has a low attack complexity and requires user interaction.

Vulnerability Description

IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager does not validate input properties correctly, posing a security risk during data processing.

Affected Systems and Versions

Impacted versions include 3.0, 3.0.1, 4.0, 3.0.0.4, 3.0.1.5, 4.0.0.3, 4.1.0.1, 4.1.1, and 4.1.0 of the Security Key Lifecycle Manager.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows attackers to input malicious data, potentially gaining unauthorized access due to inadequate validation.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate action and long-term security practices are crucial for safeguarding systems against CVE-2021-38973.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should apply official fixes provided by IBM and ensure that all affected versions are updated to prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict input validation mechanisms, regularly update security patches, and monitor for any unauthorized activities.

Patching and Updates

IBM has released patches for vulnerable versions, and it is recommended to apply them promptly to mitigate the risks.