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Security Bulletin: Weaker than expected security in WebSphere Application Server (CVE-2017-1504)

Security Bulletin


Summary

WebSphere Application Server traditional 9.0.0.4 added a new feature using the PasswordUtil command to enable AES password encryption. If you used this feature, then you have a potential for weaker than expected security since some passwords did not get encrypted as you might have expected. If you didn't use this new feature, then you are not affected by this vulnerability. This does not affect passwords with the default XOR encoding, or passwords with custom encryption.

Vulnerability Details

CVEID: CVE-2017-1504
DESCRIPTION:
IBM WebSphere Application Server Version 9.0.0.4 could provide weaker than expected security after using the PasswordUtil command to enable AES password encryption.
CVSS Base Score: 5.3
CVSS Temporal Score: See https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/129579 for the current score
CVSS Environmental Score*: Undefined
CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N)

Affected Products and Versions

This vulnerability affects the following versions and releases of IBM WebSphere Application Server:

  • Version 9.0.0.4 - if you used the PasswordUtil command to enable AES password encryption.

Remediation/Fixes

The recommended solution is to apply the interim fix, Fix Pack or PTF containing APAR PI82602 for each named product as soon as practical. This does not affect passwords with the default XOR encoding, or passwords with custom encryption.

For WebSphere Application Server traditional:
For V9.0.0.4:

· Apply Interim Fix PI82602
--OR--
· Apply Fix Pack 9.0.0.5 or later.

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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

Change History

01 August 2017: original document published
03 August 2017: added link to IBM support video

*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:
15 June 2018

UID

swg22006803