CVE-2023-38276 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

IBM Cognos Dashboards on Cloud Pak for Data 4.7.0 exposes sensitive information in environment variables, potentially leading to further system attacks.

Understanding CVE-2023-38276

This CVE record highlights a vulnerability in IBM Cognos Dashboards version 4.7.0 that could result in the disclosure of sensitive information, posing a medium severity threat.

What is CVE-2023-38276?

The vulnerability in IBM Cognos Dashboards on Cloud Pak for Data 4.7.0 allows attackers to access sensitive information stored in environment variables, which could be leveraged to launch subsequent attacks on the system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-38276

With a CVSS base score of 5.9, this vulnerability has a medium severity level. It could potentially lead to the exposure of confidential data, enhancing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-38276

This section provides a detailed insight into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

IBM Cognos Dashboards on Cloud Pak for Data 4.7.0 exposes sensitive information in environment variables, making it susceptible to exploitation by threat actors.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is 'Cognos Dashboards on Cloud Pak for Data' version 4.7.0 by IBM.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability stems from the exposure of sensitive data in environment variables, potentially providing attackers with valuable information for launching further attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate action to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-38276.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update IBM Cognos Dashboards to a patched version that addresses this vulnerability.
Monitor system logs and environment variables for any suspicious activity.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate security gaps.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from IBM and promptly apply relevant patches and updates to secure your systems.