CVE-2021-38956 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

IBM Security Verify 10.0.0, 10.0.1.0, and 10.0.2.0 have been identified with a vulnerability that could expose sensitive version information in HTTP response headers. This exposure could potentially facilitate further attacks on the system. The CVSS base score for this vulnerability is 5.3, categorizing it as a medium severity issue.

Understanding CVE-2021-38956

This section covers the essential aspects of CVE-2021-38956.

What is CVE-2021-38956?

CVE-2021-38956 is a vulnerability found in IBM Security Verify versions 10.0.0, 10.0.1.0, and 10.0.2.0. It allows for the disclosure of sensitive version information in HTTP response headers, creating a potential security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38956

The exposure of sensitive version information in HTTP response headers can aid malicious actors in launching further attacks on the affected system. The CVSS base score of 5.3 indicates a medium severity level for this vulnerability.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38956

This section delves into the technical specifics of CVE-2021-38956.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in IBM Security Verify allows for the disclosure of sensitive version information in HTTP response headers, potentially opening the door to exploitation by threat actors.

Affected Systems and Versions

IBM Security Verify versions 10.0.0, 10.0.1.0, and 10.0.2.0 are confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability, leaving systems with these versions at risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability could be exploited by leveraging the exposed version information in HTTP response headers to launch targeted attacks on the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the measures that can be taken to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-38956.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to apply official fixes provided by IBM promptly to address the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations should prioritize regular security assessments, updates, and monitoring to ensure the overall security posture of their systems.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating to the latest secure versions of IBM Security Verify can help mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-38956.