Security Bulletin: Apache Kafka as used by IBM QRadar SIEM is vulnerable to information disclosure (CVE-2021-38153, CVE-2018-17196)

Summary

Apache Kafka as used by IBM QRadar SIEM is vulnerable to information disclosure. IBM has addressed the relevant CVEs.

Vulnerability Details

CVEID:CVE-2021-38153
**DESCRIPTION:**Apache Kafka could allow a remote attacker to obtain sensitive information, caused by a timing attack flaw due to the use of “Arrays.equals” to validate a password or key. By utilizing brute-force attack techniques, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to obtain credentials information, and use this information to launch further attacks against the affected system.
CVSS Base score: 7.5
CVSS Temporal Score: See: https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/209762 for the current score.
CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N)

CVEID:CVE-2018-17196
**DESCRIPTION:**Apache Kafka could allow a remote authenticated attacker to bypass security restrictions, caused by improper input validation. By sending a specially-crafted Produce request, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to bypass transaction/idempotent ACL validation.
CVSS Base score: 4.3
CVSS Temporal Score: See: https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/163622 for the current score.
CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N)

Affected Products and Versions

Remediation/Fixes

IBM encourages customers to update their systems promptly.

See the Related Information section below for instructions on verifying your currently installed version.

Workarounds and Mitigations

None