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Security Bulletin: Vulnerability in RC4 stream cipher affects WebSphere eXtreme Scale (CVE-2015-2808)

Created by Michael Stuy on
Published URL:
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/262767
262767

Security Bulletin


Summary

The RC4 “Bar Mitzvah” Attack for SSL/TLS affects WebSphere eXtreme Scale version 7.1.0, 7.1.1, 8.5, and 8.6.

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

WebSphere eXtreme Scale V7.1.0

WebSphere eXtreme Scale V7.1.1

WebSphere eXtreme Scale V8.5

WebSphere eXtreme Scale V8.6

Remediation/Fixes

Product

VRMFAPARRemediation/First Fix
WebSphere eXtreme Scale7.1.0PI39113http://www-933.ibm.com/support/fixcentral/swg/selectFixes?parent=ibm~WebSphere&product=ibm/WebSphere/WebSphere+eXtreme+Scale&release=7.1.0.3&platform=All&function=all
WebSphere eXtreme Scale7.1.1PI39105http://www-933.ibm.com/support/fixcentral/swg/selectFixes?parent=ibm~WebSphere&product=ibm/WebSphere/WebSphere+eXtreme+Scale&release=7.1.1.1&platform=All&function=all
WebSphere eXtreme Scale8.5.0PI39105http://www-933.ibm.com/support/fixcentral/swg/selectFixes?parent=ibm~WebSphere&product=ibm/WebSphere/WebSphere+eXtreme+Scale&release=8.5.0.3&platform=All&function=all
WebSphere eXtreme Scale8.6NoneNo fix required, the remediation is to change java.security so that it has RC4 is one of the disabled algorithms. See Workarounds and Mitigation section below.

Verify that 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.

Workarounds and Mitigations

For WebSphere eXtreme Scale versions 7.1.0, 7.1.1 and 8.5 stand-alone environments, apply the appropriate fix to upgrade your JDK. These fixes update the Java 6 to the appropriate version where RC4 can be turned off. Follow the instructions for disabling RC4 algorithm. For WebSphere eXtreme Scale V8.6 stand-alone environment, the Java shipped already supports disabling of the RC4 algorithm. You only need to change the java.security file as described.

Disable RC4 algorithm

  1. Edit the java.security file and turn off RC4 by adding the following setting: jdk.tls.disabledAlgorithms=SSLv3,RC4
  2. When you run WebSphere eXtreme Scale in a WebSphere Application Server profile, follow the instructions for WebSphere Application Server described here: http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg21701503
  3. When you run WebSphere eXtreme Scale in a WebSphere Application Server Liberty profile versions V8.5.0.0 through 8.5.5.5 Full Profile and you are configured for FIPS140-2, Suite B or SP800-131, your SSL communication for Liberty is not affected by this vulnerability. If you are not running in a WebSphere Application Server Liberty profile that is configured for one of these security options, you can either enable FIPS 140-2 in Liberty or update the profile by following the instructions described here: http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg21701503.

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References

Off

Change History

24 April 2015

*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

swg21883667