Security Bulletin: Vulnerability in RC4 stream cipher affects Rational Software Architect for WebSphere Software (CVE-2015-2808)

Summary

The RC4 “Bar Mitzvah” Attack for SSL/TLS affects Rational Software Architect for WebSphere Software.

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

• Rational Software Architect 9.1.1 and earlier
• Rational Software Architect for WebSphere Software 9.1.1 and earlier
• Rational Software Architect RealTime Edition 9.1.1 and earlier

Remediation/Fixes

Update the Java Development Kit and IBM SDK for Node.js used by the Cordova platform, as applicable below, in the product to address this vulnerability:

Rational Software Architect for Websphere Software| 9.0, 9.0.0.1

8.5 to 8.5.5.2| See Workarounds and Mitigations section below
Rational Software Architect

Rational Software Architect for Websphere Software| 9.1, 9.1.1| 1. See Workarounds and Mitigations section below

2. Apply IBM SDK for Node.js 1.1.0.14 to the Cordova platform in the product.

Installation instructions for applying the update to the Cordova platform in the product can be found here:
_
_Upgrading the IBM SDK for Node.js used by Cordova

Installation Instruction to update IBM Java Runtime Edition Version 6.0 SR16 FP3:

1. Download the update files from Fix Central by following the link listed in the download table above

2. Extract the compressed files in an appropriate directory.

For example, choose to extract to `C:\temp\update

`
3. Add the update repository location in IBM Installation Manager:

4. Start IBM Installation Manager.

5. On the Start page of Installation Manager, click File > Preferences, and then clickRepositories. The Repositories page opens.

6. On the Repositories page, click Add Repository.

7. In the Add repository window, browse to or enter the file path to the repository.config file, which is located in the directory where you extracted the compressed files and then click OK.

For example, enter C:\temp\updates\repository.config.

8. Click OK to close the Preference page.

9. Install the update as described in the the topic Updating Installed Product Packages in the IBM Knowledge Center for your product and version.

Workarounds and Mitigations

If you are using any of the following products:

• Rational Software Architect for WebSphere Software versions 8.5, 9.0, and 9.1/9.1.1
• Rational Software Architect versions 8.5, 9.0, and 9.1/9.1.1

then the following steps can be used to remove RC4 from the list of available algorithms:

1. Ensure the product is not running.

2. Locate the java.security file used by the product:
install folder/jdk/jre/lib/security/java.security

3. Edit the java.security file with a text editor and locate the line:
jdk.tls.disabledAlgorithms=SSLv3

4. Add RC4 to the list of disabled algorithms; For example:
jdk.tls.disabledAlgorithms=SSLv3, RC4

5. Save the file and restart the product.

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.