CVE-2021-38938 - IBM Host Access Transformation Services Plain Text Credential Storage Vulnerability

A newly discovered security vulnerability, assigned the CVE identifier CVE-2021-38938, has been reported to affect IBM Host Access Transformation Services (HATS). This vulnerability continues to plague IBM HATS versions 9.6 through 9.6.1.4 and 9.7 through 9.7..3. If left unaddressed, this vulnerability poses a risk since it allows user credentials to be stored in plain clear text, which can consequently be read by a local user. The rule of thumb is that storing sensitive information like user credentials in plain text is ill-advised, as it compromises the data's security. IBM X-Force ID 210989 has been assigned to track this issue.

Code Snippet

Although no specific code snippet is available for this vulnerability, it typically demonstrates storing user credentials in plain clear text within configuration or properties files. For instance:

# Example HATS configuration file (hats-config.properties)
username=admin
password=supersecret

In the example shared above, the user's credentials are critically exposed in the configuration file as plain text. This can prove damaging if accessed by an unauthorized individual.

References

- IBM Host Access Transformation Services (HATS) Official Product Page
- CVE-2021-38938 - Vulnerability Details on NVD
- IBM X-Force ID: 210989

Exploit Details

The CVE-2021-38938 vulnerability arises from the flawed storage mechanism employed by IBM HATS. Instead of relying on properly encrypted or hashed storage practices, HATS stores user credentials in plain clear text. This vulnerability enables a local user with access to these files to easily view the unsecured credentials.

Mitigations

IBM has recently addressed this vulnerability in the latest release of HATS. As such, the greatest defense against this security flaw is to update to the latest version of IBM HATS. Upgrading to the latest version—either HATS 9.6.1.5 or HATS 9.7..4—provides the necessary protection against attacks.

The following steps provide guidance on how to update to the latest HATS version

1. Visit the IBM HATS Downloads page.

Download the appropriate update for your current HATS version.

3. Consult the IBM HATS Documentation during the update process for specific instructions.

Conclusion

Keeping software up-to-date and paying close attention to security advisories for products in use is essential to organizational safety. By updating IBM HATS immediately, users can prevent unauthorized local users from gaining access to sensitive credentials stored in plain text files. By staying informed and vigilant, users can ensure that potential vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-38938 are promptly addressed, mitigating any potential security risks.

Timeline

Published on: 03/15/2024 16:15:07 UTC
Last modified on: 03/15/2024 16:26:49 UTC