CVE-2018-1996 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 are vulnerable to a security issue due to incorrect TLS configuration, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Understanding CVE-2018-1996

This CVE involves a vulnerability in IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 that could be exploited by a remote attacker using man-in-the-middle techniques.

What is CVE-2018-1996?

The security of IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 might be compromised due to an incorrect TLS configuration. This vulnerability could potentially be exploited by a remote attacker using man-in-the-middle techniques to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

The Impact of CVE-2018-1996

CVSS Base Score: 5.3 (Medium)
Attack Vector: Network
Confidentiality Impact: High
Exploit Code Maturity: Unproven
Vector String: CVSS:3.0/A:N/AC:H/AV:N/C:H/I:N/PR:L/S:U/UI:N/E:U/RC:C/RL:O

Technical Details of CVE-2018-1996

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from an incorrect TLS configuration in IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: WebSphere Application Server
Vendor: IBM
Versions Affected: 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability could be exploited by a remote attacker using man-in-the-middle techniques to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply official fixes provided by IBM.
Monitor for any unauthorized access or unusual network activity.
Implement network encryption and strong access controls.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch WebSphere Application Server.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the WebSphere Application Server is updated with the latest security patches and configurations.