CVE-2021-38978 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2021-38978 affecting IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager versions 3.0, 3.0.1, 4.0, and 4.1. Understand the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps for this security vulnerability.
IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager versions 3.0, 3.0.1, 4.0, and 4.1 are vulnerable to a security issue that could allow a remote attacker to access sensitive information due to a misconfiguration in HTTP Strict Transport Security.
Understanding CVE-2021-38978
This CVE identifies a vulnerability in IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager that could potentially lead to information disclosure.
What is CVE-2021-38978?
CVE-2021-38978 affects versions 3.0, 3.0.1, 4.0, and 4.1 of IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager by enabling a remote attacker to obtain confidential data using man-in-the-middle techniques.
The Impact of CVE-2021-38978
The vulnerability poses a medium severity risk with high confidentiality impact, allowing an attacker to exploit the system without requiring any special privileges.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-38978
The CVSSv3 base score for this vulnerability is 5.9, indicating a medium severity issue with high attack complexity through a network vector. The exploitation code maturity is unproven, but with confirmed exploitability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from the failure to properly enforce HTTP Strict Transport Security in affected versions of IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager.
Affected Systems and Versions
IBM Security Key Lifecycle Manager versions 3.0, 3.0.1, 4.0, 3.0.0.4, 3.0.1.5, 4.0.0.3, 4.1, 4.1.0.1, and 4.1.1 are impacted by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
An attacker can exploit this vulnerability through man-in-the-middle techniques to intercept sensitive data transmitted over the network.
Mitigation and Prevention
It is crucial to take immediate steps to address the CVE and implement long-term security measures to safeguard against similar vulnerabilities.
Immediate Steps to Take
Organizations using the affected versions should apply the official fix provided by IBM to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
Ensure that HTTP Strict Transport Security is correctly configured and consider implementing additional security controls to enhance protection.
Patching and Updates
Regularly monitor for security updates from IBM and apply patches promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation.