Security Bulletin: Vulnerability in RC4 stream cipher affects System x Integrated Management Module (IMM) (CVE-2015-2808)

Vulnerability Details

Summary

The RC4 "Bar Mitzvah" Attack for SSL/TLS affects System x IMM.

Vulnerability Details

CVE-ID: 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 http://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/#/vulnerabilities/101851 for current score
CVSS Environmental Score*: Undefined
CVSS Vector: (AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N)

Affected products and versions

The following IMM code levels may exhibit this issue:

• All versions 1.00 to 1.47

The following platforms may be affected:

• System x3500 M2, Type 7839, any model
• System x3500 M3, Type 7380, any model
• System x3550 M2, Type 4198, any model
• System x3550 M2, Type 7946, any model
• System x3550 M3, Type 4254, any model
• System x3550 M3, Type 7944, any model
• System x3630 M3, Type 7377, any model
• System x3650 M2, Type 4199, any model
• System x3650 M2, Type 7947, any model
• System x3650 M3, Type 4255, any model
• System x3650 M3, Type 5454, any model
• System x3650 M3, Type 7945, any model
• System x3690 X5, Type 7147, any model
• System x3690 X5, Type 7148, any model
• System x3690 X5, Type 7149, any model
• System x3690 X5, Type 7192, any model
• System x3850 X5, Type 7143, any model
• System x3850 X5, Type 7145, any model
• System x3850 X5, Type 7146, any model
• System x3850 X5, Type 7191, any model
• System x3950 X5, Type 7143, any model
• System x3950 X5, Type 7145, any model
• System x iDataPlex dx360 M2, Types 6380, any model
• System x iDataPlex dx360 M2, Types 7321, any model
• System x iDataPlex dx360 M2, Types 7323, any model
• System x iDataPlex dx360 M3, Types 6391, any model

Remediation/Fixes

It is recommended to update IMM to version 1.48 YUOOG8C or later. Firmware updates are available through IBM Fix Central: http://www.ibm.com/support/fixcentral/.

In addition to updating to the recommended firmware version, the following configuration change is required using one of the two options described below:

Through the IMM Web interface, on the IMM Security page, select "High Security Mode" in the "Cryptography Management" section.

-OR-

Use the following ASU command: asu set imm.ssl_cipher "high security mode"

After the configuration change, restart the IMM for the configuration to take effect.

You should verify applying this fix does not cause any compatibility issues. The fix disables RC4 stream cipher by default. If you change the default setting after applying the fix, 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

None.

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Reference

• Complete CVSS Guide
• On-line Calculator V2

Related Information
IBM Secure Engineering Web Portal
IBM Product Security Incident Response Blog
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Change History
30 April 2015: Original Copy 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

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.