Security Bulletin: A vulnerability in RC4 stream cipher affects IBM FlashSystem 900 (CVE-2015-2808)

Summary

The RC4 “Bar Mitzvah” Attack for SSL/TLS affects the IBM FlashSystem 900.

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

IBM FlashSystem 900 including machine type and models (MTMs) for all available code levels. MTMs affected include 9840-AE2 and 9843-AE2.

Remediation/Fixes

Product

| VRMF | APAR | Remediation/First Fix
—|—|—|—
FlashSystem 900 MTMs:

9840-AE2 &
9843-AE2 | A code fix is now available. The VRMF of this code level is 1.2.1.8 (or later). | None | This vulnerability has been remediated in firmware version 1.2.1.8

You should verify applying this fix does not cause any compatibility issues. The fix disables any use of the RC4 stream cipher when interfacing to the IBM FlashSystem 900 – and does not allow it to be re-enabled. 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 firmware versions released earlier than 1.2.1.8, IBM recommends upgrading to a fixed, supported version/release/platform of the product.

Workarounds and Mitigations

Although IBM recommends that you install a level of code with a fix for this vulnerability, you can mitigate, although not eliminate, your risk until you have done so by ensuring that all users who have access to the system are authenticated by another security system such as a firewall.