Security Bulletin
Summary
There is a vulnerability in IBM® Runtime Environment Java™ Technology Edition, Versions 6 & 7 that is used by IBM WebSphere MQ. This vulnerability, commonly referred to as “SLOTH”, was disclosed as part of the IBM Java SDK updates in January 2016.
Vulnerability Details
CVEID: CVE-2015-7575
DESCRIPTION: The TLS protocol could allow weaker than expected security caused by a collision attack when using the MD5 hash function for signing a ServerKeyExchange message during a TLS handshake. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability using man-in-the-middle techniques to impersonate a TLS server and obtain credentials. This vulnerability is commonly referred to as “SLOTH”.
CVSS Base Score: 7.1
CVSS Temporal Score: See https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/109415 for the current score
CVSS Environmental Score*: Undefined
CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/UI:U/C:H/I:L/A:N)
Affected Products and Versions
IBM JRE 7, Java Technology Edition, Version 7 provided by IBM WebSphere MQ 8.0.0.4 and earlier on all platforms (except IBM i and z/OS)
IBM JRE 6, Java Technology Edition, Version 6 provided by IBM WebSphere MQ 7.5.0.5, IBM WebSphere MQ 7.1.0.7 and earlier on all platforms (except IBM i and z/OS)
Remediation/Fixes
IBM WebSphere MQ 8.0
HP-UX
Apply fix pack 8.0.0.5 when available, in the interim use the workaround provided below
AIX, Linux, Solaris & Windows
Apply fix pack 8.0.0.5 when available, in the interim apply ifix IT13492
IBM WebSphere MQ 7.5
Apply fix pack 7.5.0.6 when available, in the interim apply ifix IT13492
IBM WebSphere MQ 7.1
Apply fix pack 7.1.0.8 when available, in the interim apply ifix IT13492
Workarounds and Mitigations
For CVE-2015-7575:
Users of Java 7 and later can address the issue by updating the ../jre/lib/security/java.security file as follows (both steps are required):
· Add MD5 to the jdk.certpath.disabledAlgorithms property - e.g. jdk.certpath.disabledAlgorithms=MD2, RSA keySize < 1024, MD5
· Add MD5withRSA to the jdk.tls.disabledAlgorithms property - e.g. jdk.tls.disabledAlgorithms=SSLv3, RC4, DH keySize < 768, MD5withRSA
Java 6 requires code changes in the JSSE component in addition to the java.security file modifications, so upgrading the JRE is the only solution.
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Important Note
IBM strongly suggests that all System z customers be subscribed 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.
References
Acknowledgement
CVE-2015-7575 was reported to IBM by Karthikeyan Bhargavan at INRIA in Paris, France
Change History
24 February 2016: Original version published
*The CVSS Environment Score is customer environment specific and will ultimately impact the Overall CVSS Score. Customers can evaluate the impact of this vulnerability in their environments by accessing the links in the Reference section of this Security Bulletin.
Disclaimer
Review the IBM security bulletin disclaimer and definitions regarding your responsibilities for assessing potential impact of security vulnerabilities to your environment.
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Document Information
Modified date:
15 June 2018
UID
swg21977523