CVE-2021-39021 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

IBM Guardium Data Encryption (GDE) 5.0.0.2 by IBM has a vulnerability that may lead to username enumeration. The attack complexity is high with a base score of 3.7.

Understanding CVE-2021-39021

This CVE, published on 2022-02-01, affects IBM Guardium Data Encryption version 5.0.0.2.

What is CVE-2021-39021?

IBM Guardium Data Encryption 5.0.0.2 may exhibit varying behaviors or responses under different circumstances, potentially allowing unauthorized actors to observe and enumerate usernames.

The Impact of CVE-2021-39021

The vulnerability has a low base severity rating, but the high attack complexity may facilitate username enumeration, posing a security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-39021

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

IBM Guardium Data Encryption (GDE) 5.0.0.2 exhibits different behaviors/responses that can be observed by unauthorized actors.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Security Guardium Data Encryption
Vendor: IBM
Vulnerable Version: 5.0.0.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Vector: Network
Exploit Code Maturity: Unproven
Confidentiality Impact: Low
Integrity Impact: None
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: None
Vector String: CVSS:3.0/UI:N/PR:N/I:N/C:L/AC:H/AV:N/A:N/S:U/RC:C/RL:O/E:U

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to address and prevent the CVE issue.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement the official fix provided by IBM for GDE 5.0.0.2.
Monitor for any unauthorized access attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch IBM Guardium Data Encryption to stay protected against vulnerabilities.
Conduct security training to enhance user awareness on potential risks.

Patching and Updates

Apply official patches and updates from IBM to ensure the security of the Data Encryption solution.