Security Bulletin: Vulnerability in RC4 stream cipher affects Operations Analytics Predictive Insights (CVE-2015-2808)

Abstract

The RC4 “Bar Mitzvah” Attack for SSL/TLS affects Operations Analytics Predictive Insights which is consuming WebSphere Application Server 8.5.5.1

Content

Vulnerability Details

CVEID: CVE-2015-2808 DESCRIPTION: 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”.
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

Operations Analytics Predictive Insights 1.3.1 and earlier

Remediation/Fixes

For 1.3.1 and earlier IBM recommends upgrading to a fixed, supported version/release/platform of the product.

Workarounds and Mitigations

Installation Instructions
------------------------------------
As the user that installed the Predictive Insights UI component, typically scadmin
1. Stop the UI server used by Operations Analytics Predictive Insights
<UI_HOME>/bin/pi.sh -stop
where <UI_HOME> is typically /opt/IBM/scanalytics/UI
2. cd <UI_HOME>/ibm-java-x86_64-70/jre/lib/security/
3. Create a copy of java.security file
cp java.security java.security_orig
4. Edit UI_HOME/ibm-java-x86_64-70/jre/lib/security/java.security file.
Add RC4 to jdk.tls.disabledAlgorithms variable.
For example
vi <UI_HOME>/ibm-java-x86_64-70/jre/lib/security/java.security and change this line:
jdk.tls.disabledAlgorithms=SSLv3
to
jdk.tls.disabledAlgorithms=SSLv3,RC4
5. cd <UI_HOME>/wlp/usr/servers/piserver/
6. Create a copy of jvm.options file
cp jvm.options jvm.options_orig
7. Edit <UI_HOME>/wlp/usr/servers/piserver/jvm.options file.
Add this line:
-Djsse.enableCBCProtection=true
8. start UI server
<UI_HOME>/bin/pi.sh -start

Removal Instructions
------------------------------------
As the user that installed the Predictive Insights UI component, typically scadmin
1. Stop the UI server used by Operations Analytics Predictive Insights
<UI_HOME>/bin/pi.sh -stop
where <UI_HOME> is typically /opt/IBM/scanalytics/UI
2. cd <UI_HOME>/ibm-java-x86_64-70/jre/lib/security/
3. Replace java.security file with the original
mv java.security_orig java.security
4. cd <UI_HOME>/wlp/usr/servers/piserver/
5. Replace jvm.options file with the original
mv jvm.options_orig jvm.options
6. start UI server
<UI_HOME>/bin/pi.sh -start

You should verify applying this configuration change does not cause any compatibility issues. Not disabling the RC4 stream cipher 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.

Disclaimer

According to the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST), the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) is an “industry open standard designed to convey vulnerability severity and help to determine urgency and priority of response.” IBM PROVIDES THE CVSS SCORES “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CUSTOMERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF ANY ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL SECURITY VULNERABILITY.

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