CVE-2021-38981 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover the impact of CVE-2021-38981 affecting IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager versions 3.0, 3.0.1, 4.0, and 4.1. Learn about the exploitability, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager versions 3.0, 3.0.1, 4.0, and 4.1 are affected by a vulnerability that could allow a remote attacker to access sensitive information, potentially leading to further system attacks. This CVE was published by IBM on November 12, 2021.
Understanding CVE-2021-38981
This section provides insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-38981.
What is CVE-2021-38981?
IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager versions 3.0, 3.0.1, 4.0, and 4.1 are exposed to a security vulnerability that enables remote attackers to acquire sensitive information through detailed error messages displayed in the browser.
The Impact of CVE-2021-38981
The exploitability of this vulnerability is considered to be of medium severity, with a CVSS base score of 5.3. Although the attack complexity is low, an attacker can use the obtained information for further malicious activities against the affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-38981
Let's delve into the specifics of the vulnerability including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager versions 3.0, 3.0.1, 4.0, and 4.1 allows remote attackers to retrieve sensitive information via detailed error messages displayed in the browser.
Affected Systems and Versions
The affected products include Security Key Lifecycle Manager by IBM in the versions 3.0, 3.0.1, 4.0, 3.0.0.4, 3.0.1.5, 4.0.0.3, 4.1, 4.1.0.1, and 4.1.1.
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited remotely by malicious actors leveraging the error messages returned in the browser to gather sensitive information.
Mitigation and Prevention
Learn about the immediate steps to take and best practices for enhancing the security of affected systems.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to implement official fixes provided by IBM and follow security best practices to reduce the risk of exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly update and patch the affected systems, restrict network access, and educate users on secure browsing practices to prevent potential attacks.
Patching and Updates
Stay updated with security bulletins from IBM and apply patches promptly to mitigate the vulnerabilities identified in CVE-2021-38981.