CVE-2021-38976 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager versions 3.0, 3.0.1, 4.0, and 4.1 are affected by a vulnerability that allows storing user credentials in plain clear text, posing a risk of unauthorized access by a local user.

Understanding CVE-2021-38976

This CVE pertains to the security issue in IBM's Security Key Lifecycle Manager that exposes user credentials.

What is CVE-2021-38976?

The vulnerability in IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager versions 3.0, 3.0.1, 4.0, and 4.1 allows storing user credentials without encryption, potentially leading to unauthorized access by a local user.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38976

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it exposes sensitive user credentials, heightening the risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38976

The technical details of the CVE include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability enables the storage of user credentials in plain clear text without encryption, making them susceptible to unauthorized access.

Affected Systems and Versions

IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager versions 3.0, 3.0.1, 4.0, and 4.1 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

A local user can exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive user credentials stored in plain clear text.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-38976, consider the following:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to a patched version that encrypts user credentials.
Implement access controls to limit unauthorized users' ability to access the system.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update security protocols to safeguard against similar vulnerabilities.
Encrypt sensitive data, including user credentials, to prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Apply official fixes provided by IBM to secure the Key Lifecycle Manager and ensure user credentials are stored securely.