CVE-2024-49816 is a vulnerability recently discovered in IBM Security Guardium Key Lifecycle Manager (GKLM) versions 4.1, 4.1.1, 4.2., and 4.2.1. The vulnerability occurs due to the storage of potentially sensitive information within log files that are accessible to local privileged users. This could lead to unauthorized access to critical data and compromise the overall security posture of the affected system. In this post, we will explore the details of the vulnerability, discuss code snippets that expose the vulnerability, provide links to original references, and offer insight into potential exploitation scenarios.

Vulnerability Details

IBM Security Guardium Key Lifecycle Manager (GKLM) is a solution designed to centrally manage cryptographic keys and policies, enabling organizations to protect their sensitive data effectively. However, in versions 4.1, 4.1.1, 4.2., and 4.2.1, potentially sensitive debugging information is stored within log files. These log files are accessible to local users with the necessary privileges, providing them with the opportunity to gain access to critical information. The severity of this vulnerability can be assessed as medium.

Code Snippet

The following code snippet demonstrates how sensitive information might be logged in the GKLM log files:

# Example of sensitive data logged in the GKLM log files
log_file = open('gklm.log', 'a')
log_file.write("DEBUG: #{Time.now} - Key request received")
log_file.write("DEBUG: #{Time.now} - Decrypting master key")
log_file.write("DEBUG: #{Time.now} - Decrypted master key: #{decrypted_key}")
log_file.close

In the example above, a decrypted master key is being logged in the 'gklm.log' file. This sensitive information should not be stored in log files or exposed to unauthorized users.

Exploit Details

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by obtaining unauthorized access to the GKLM log files. Once they have access to the log files, they can extract sensitive information, including cryptographic keys and policies, and use that information to gain unauthorized access to other systems, exfiltrate sensitive data, or perform other malicious activities.

To alleviate the risk of exploitation

1. Limit access to the log files by implementing proper file system permissions and restricting who can access the files.

Update to a patched version of GKLM that addresses this vulnerability.

3. Disable debug logging in the GKLM configuration file to prevent potentially sensitive information from being stored in log files.

Original References

IBM has acknowledged this vulnerability and issued a security advisory providing details and mitigation steps for the affected GKLM versions. You can find more information about this vulnerability and steps to address it via the following resources:

1. IBM Security Bulletin: IBM's official security advisory detailing the vulnerability and providing guidance on mitigating the issues.
2. CVE-2024-49816: The MITRE CVE entry for this vulnerability, providing a detailed description and references.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CVE-2024-49816 is a medium severity vulnerability affecting IBM Security Guardium Key Lifecycle Manager (GKLM) versions 4.1, 4.1.1, 4.2., and 4.2.1 that results from storing sensitive information in log files accessible to local privileged users. Organizations using the affected versions of GKLM are advised to take the necessary precautions, implement proper file system permissions, and disable debug logging to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Additionally, updating to a patched GKLM version that addresses this vulnerability is also recommended.

Timeline

Published on: 12/17/2024 18:15:23 UTC