CVE-2023-26271 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-26271 details a vulnerability in IBM Security Guardium Data Encryption (IBM Guardium Cloud Key Manager) version 1.10.3 that could allow a remote attacker to brute force account credentials due to an inadequate account lockout setting.

Understanding CVE-2023-26271

This section will provide an insight into the nature of CVE-2023-26271 and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-26271?

CVE-2023-26271 involves an improper account lockout setting in IBM Security Guardium Data Encryption, specifically affecting version 1.10.3. This flaw could be exploited by remote attackers to carry out brute force attacks on account credentials.

The Impact of CVE-2023-26271

The vulnerability poses a medium severity threat with a CVSS base score of 5.3. While it does not have an availability impact, it can lead to the disclosure of confidential information with low confidentiality impact. The attack complexity is low, and no user interaction or privileges are required, making it a noteworthy concern for affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-26271

Delve deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-26271 to understand its scope and implications.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from an inadequate account lockout mechanism within IBM Guardium Cloud Key Manager 1.10.3, allowing malicious actors to employ brute force methods to compromise account credentials remotely.

Affected Systems and Versions

IBM Security Guardium Data Encryption version 1.10.3 is confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability, potentially exposing systems with this specific software version to the risk of unauthorized access.

Exploitation Mechanism

Remote attackers could leverage the inadequate account lockout setting in IBM Guardium Cloud Key Manager 1.10.3 to repeatedly attempt authentication, eventually gaining unauthorized access by successfully brute-forcing account credentials.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to address and mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-26271 through effective security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and organizations utilizing IBM Guardium Cloud Key Manager 1.10.3 are advised to review their account lockout settings, implement strong password policies, and monitor for any unusual login activities to detect and prevent potential brute force attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

To bolster overall security posture, organizations should prioritize regular security assessments, employ multi-factor authentication, and stay informed about security updates and best practices to mitigate similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

IBM has likely provided patches or updates to address the vulnerability in question. It is crucial for affected users to promptly install these patches to remediate the inadequate account lockout setting and prevent exploitation by malicious actors.