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Security Bulletin: Vulnerability in RC4 stream cipher affects the IBM Installation Manager and IBM Packaging Utility (CVE-2015-2808)

Security Bulletin


Summary

The RC4 “Bar Mitzvah” Attack for SSL/TLS affects the IBM Installation Manager and IBM Packaging Utility

Vulnerability Details

CVEID: CVE-2015-2808
DESCRIPTION: The RC4 algorithm, as used in the TLS protocol and SSL protocol, could allow a remote attacker to obtain sensitive information. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to remotely expose account credentials without requiring an active man-in-the-middle session. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to retrieve credit card data or other sensitive information. This vulnerability is commonly referred to as "Bar Mitzvah Attack".
CVSS Base Score: 5
CVSS Temporal Score: See https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/101851 for the current score
CVSS Environmental Score*: Undefined
CVSS Vector: (AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N)

Affected Products and Versions

IBM Installation Manager and IBM Packaging Utility versions 1.8.2.1 and earlier.

Remediation/Fixes

Product

VRMFAPARRemediation/First Fix
IBM Installation Manager and IBM Packaging Utility1.7.4.xNone1.7.4.2 IBM Installation Manager Remediation
1.7.4.2 IBM Packaging Utility Remediation

Please note that the 1.7.4.2 fix is intended for upgrade of 1.7.4.1 and earlier versions which continue support on platforms that are NOT supported by 1.8 or later versions.


Users running 1.7.4.1 or earlier version on platforms that ARE supported by 1.8.x version, should upgrade to 1.8.2.1 and implement the work around described below.
Installation Manager and IBM Packaging Utility1.8.xNoneSee 1.8.x work around below

You should verify applying this fix does not cause any compatibility issues. The fix disables RC4 stream cipher by default. If you change the default setting after applying the fix, you will expose yourself to the attack described above. IBM recommends that you review your entire environment to identify other areas where you have enabled the RC4 stream cipher and take appropriate mitigation and remediation actions.

Workarounds and Mitigations


IBM Installation Manager 1.8.x work around:

To work around the RC4 Bar Mitzvah security vulnerability in IBM Installation Manager version 1.8.x, update the java.security file to add the RC4 string to the list of disabled TLS algorithms identified by jdk.tls.disabledAlgorithms java property.

For example:
jdk.tls.disabledAlgorithms=SSLv3, RC4

You will find the java.security file in the following folder, by platform:
AIX Platforms:
<Installation Manager install_dir>/eclipse/jre_<version>/jre/lib/security/
HP-UX Platforms:
<Installation Manager install_dir>/eclipse/jre_<version>/jre/lib/security/
Linux and Solaris Platforms:
<Installation Manager install_dir>/eclipse/jre_<version>/jre/lib/security/
Windows Platforms:
<Installation Manager install_dir>\eclipse\jre_<version>\jre\lib\security\
Mac OSX Platforms:
<Installation Manager install_dir>/eclipse/jre_<version>/jre/Contents/Home/lib/security/


IBM Packaging Utility 1.8.x work around:

To work around the RC4 Bar Mitzvah security vulnerability in IBM Packaging Utility version 1.8.x, update the java.security file to add the RC4 string to the list of disabled TLS algorithms identified by jdk.tls.disabledAlgorithms java property.

For example:
jdk.tls.disabledAlgorithms=SSLv3, RC4

You will find the java.security file in the following folder, by platform:
AIX Platforms:
<Packaging Utility install_dir>/jre/lib/security/
Linux and Solaris Platforms:
<Packaging Utility install_dir>/jre/lib/security/
Windows Platforms:
<Packaging Utility install_dir>\jre\lib\security\
Mac OSX Platforms:
<Packaging Utility install_dir>/jre/Contents/Home/lib/security/

You should verify applying this configuration change does not cause any compatibility issues. Not disabling the RC4 stream cipher will expose yourself to the attack described above. IBM recommends that you review your entire environment to identify other areas where you have enabled the RC4 stream cipher and take appropriate mitigation and remediation actions.

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Important Note

IBM strongly suggests that all System z customers be subscribed to the System z Security Portal to receive the latest critical System z security and integrity service. If you are not subscribed, see the instructions on the System z Security web site. Security and integrity APARs and associated fixes will be posted to this portal. IBM suggests reviewing the CVSS scores and applying all security or integrity fixes as soon as possible to minimize any potential risk.

References

Off

Acknowledgement

None

Change History

4 May 2015: Original Version Published

*The CVSS Environment Score is customer environment specific and will ultimately impact the Overall CVSS Score. Customers can evaluate the impact of this vulnerability in their environments by accessing the links in the Reference section of this Security Bulletin.

Disclaimer

Review the IBM security bulletin disclaimer and definitions regarding your responsibilities for assessing potential impact of security vulnerabilities to your environment.

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Document Information

Modified date:
25 October 2021

UID

swg21883505