Security Bulletin
Summary
The RC4 “Bar Mitzvah” Attack for SSL/TLS affects Rational Application Developer 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 Application Developer 9.1.1 and earlier
Remediation/Fixes
Update the Java Development Kit of the product to address this vulnerability:
| Product | VRMF | APAR | Remediation/First Fix |
| Rational Application Developer | 8.0 | PI38888 | |
| Rational Application Developer | 8.5 through 9.1.1 | PI38888 |
|
| Rational Application Developer | 9.1 through to 9.1.1 | PI38888 |
|
| Rational Build Utility | 8.0 | PI38888 | |
| Rational Build Utility | 8.5 through to 9.1.1 | PI38888 |
|
| Rational Agent Controller | 7.0 through to 9.1.1 | PI38888 |
Workarounds and Mitigations
If you are using any of the following products:
- Rational Agent Controller versions 8.3.5, 8.3.6, 9.0, 9.1
- Rational Application Developer for WebSphere Software versions 8.5, 9.0, and 9.1
- Rational Build Utility versions 8.5, 9.0, and 9.1
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:
- Rational Agent Controller: install folder/AgentController/jre/lib/security/java.security
Rational Application Developer for WebSphere Software: install folder/jdk/jre/lib/security/java.security
Rational Build Utility: 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.
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References
Acknowledgement
None
Change History
* 10 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
Review the IBM security bulletin disclaimer and definitions regarding your responsibilities for assessing potential impact of security vulnerabilities to your environment.
Internal Use Only
PSIRT 3058, record 53858
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Document Information
Modified date:
04 February 2020
UID
swg21719164