IBM has disclosed a medium-severity vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-47741, affecting IBM i versions 7.3, 7.4, and 7.5, as well as IBM i Db2 Mirror for i versions 7.4 and 7.5. This vulnerability allows clear-text passwords to remain in browser memory, which can be accessed by malicious actors using common browser tools. This poses a significant risk as an attacker with access to the victim's PC could exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the IBM i operating system.
The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 5.3, indicating a medium severity level. The implications of this vulnerability are serious, particularly for organizations that utilize IBM i systems for sensitive operations. Immediate attention is required to address this issue.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to safeguard against potential exploitation of this vulnerability. The risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive information, which could lead to data breaches and compliance violations.
As of now, there are no known public exploits or proof of concept available for this vulnerability, which somewhat mitigates the immediate threat landscape; however, organizations should not be complacent.
Vulnerability Details
According to the official CVE description, the vulnerability allows sensitive data, specifically clear-text passwords, to remain in browser memory. This can be exploited by an attacker who has physical access to the victim's machine. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-522, which pertains to insufficiently protecting sensitive information.
The CVSS score of 5.3 signifies a medium severity, with a high confidentiality impact due to the nature of the information exposed. The attack vector is physical, requiring the attacker to have physical access to the victim's device, which lowers the attack complexity to low.
The vulnerability affects the following IBM products: Db2 Mirror for i versions 7.4 and 7.5, and IBM i versions 7.3, 7.4, and 7.5. The vulnerability was published on December 18, 2023.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of sensitive information within the browser. Clear-text passwords are retained in memory rather than being securely cleared, leading to potential unauthorized access. The attack vector requires physical access, making the attack somewhat limited but still a concern in environments with shared devices.
This vulnerability has low attack complexity, as it does not require any special conditions or privileges for exploitation. No user interaction is needed, which means that an attacker can potentially exploit this vulnerability without any involvement from the victim.
The confidentiality impact is assessed as high, reflecting the sensitivity of the data exposed. There is no integrity or availability impact associated with this vulnerability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes exposure of sensitive credentials, leading to unauthorized access and potential data breaches. Given the nature of the IBM i environment and the critical data often processed, the implications of this vulnerability can be severe.
Organizations should assess their risk posture concerning the physical security of devices that access IBM i systems. This vulnerability highlights the need for robust physical security measures and user awareness training to prevent unauthorized access to systems.
Considering the CVSS score of 5.3, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. Given that the vulnerability is not listed in the KEV catalog, there is no immediate threat from active exploitation, but proactive measures are advised.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of IBM products include:
IBM i versions 7.3, 7.4, and 7.5, and IBM Db2 Mirror for i versions 7.4 and 7.5 are vulnerable. If no specific version information is available, it is advisable to consider all versions prior to vendor patch as susceptible.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations are strongly advised to apply the relevant patches released by IBM to remediate this vulnerability. Details on the available patches can be found in the following vendor advisories:
IBM Security Bulletin and IBM Db2 Mirror for i Advisory should be reviewed for specific instructions on how to apply the patches.
In addition to applying patches, organizations should implement configuration hardening measures, restrict physical access to critical systems, and continuously monitor for any suspicious activity that may indicate exploitation attempts.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any signs of unauthorized access attempts, especially on systems running the affected versions of IBM i. Behavioral anomalies in system access patterns or unexpected access to sensitive data should also be flagged for investigation.
Additionally, network signatures should be established to detect actions associated with this vulnerability, and system configurations should be audited regularly to ensure adherence to security best practices.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2023-47741 lies in its demonstration of the ongoing challenges related to the handling of sensitive data in web applications. Organizations must remain vigilant in their security practices, particularly regarding how sensitive information is managed within client applications.
This vulnerability serves as a reminder that even minor issues can lead to significant risks if not addressed promptly. As such, organizations should maintain a robust vulnerability management program to identify and rectify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Furthermore, the importance of user education and awareness cannot be understated. Employees should be trained to recognize potential threats and understand the implications of security vulnerabilities in their daily operations.
Organizations should also consider leveraging professional services for continuous security assessments, ensuring that their defenses remain strong against evolving threats. Engaging in continuous penetration testing can help identify potential weaknesses before they become a problem.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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