Security Bulletin: Vulnerability in RC4 stream cipher affects IBM DataQuant for Workstation (CVE-2015-2808)

Summary

The RC4 “Bar Mitzvah” Attack for SSL/TLS affects IBM DataQuant for Workstation. The RC4 algorithm, as used in the TLS protocol and SSL protocol, could allow a remote attacker to obtain sensitive information. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to remotely expose account credentials without requiring an active man-in-the-middle session. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to retrieve credit card data or other sensitive information. This vulnerability is commonly referred to as “Bar Mitzvah Attack”.

Vulnerability Details

CVEID: CVE-2015-2808
CVSS Base Score: 5
CVSS Temporal Score: See https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/101851 for the current score
CVSS Environmental Score*: Undefined
CVSS Vector: (AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N)

Affected Products and Versions

• DataQuant for z/OS Version 2 Release 1, Fix Pack 3 (and earlier)
• DataQuant for Multiplatforms Version 2 Release 1, Fix Pack 3 (and earlier)

Remediation/Fixes

* DataQuant for z/OS Version 2 Release 1 and DataQuant for Multiplatforms Version 2 Release 1: install [DataQuant for Workstation 2.1 in Fix Pack 4](<http://www-933.ibm.com/support/fixcentral/swg/selectFixes?parent=ibm~Information%2BManagement&product=ibm/Information+Management/DataQuant&release=2.1&platform=All&function=all>)

You should verify applying this fix does not cause any compatibility issues. The fix disables RC4 stream cipher by default. If you change this setting you will expose yourself to the attack described above. IBM recommends that you review your entire environment to identify other areas where you have enabled the RC4 stream cipher and take appropriate mitigation and remediation actions.

For IBM DataQuant for z/OS V1.2 and IBM DataQuant for Multiplatforms V1.2, IBM recommends upgrading to a fixed, supported version/release/platform of the product, IBM DataQuant for z/OS V2.1 and IBM DataQuant for Multiplatforms V2.1 respectively.

Workarounds and Mitigations

**Important note:**IBM strongly suggests that all System z customers subscribe to the System z Security Portal to receive the latest critical System z security and integrity service. If you are not subscribed, see the instructions on the System z Security web site. Security and integrity APARs and associated fixes will be posted to this portal. IBM suggests reviewing the CVSS scores and applying all security or integrity fixes as soon as possible to minimize any potential risk.