DS8900F: Improper Authentication
CVE-2023-46172 is a critical-severity improper authentication vulnerability in DS8900F from IBM, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected DS8900F versions: 89.21.19.0, 89.21.31.0, 89.30.68.0, 89.32.40.0, 89.33.48.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.5% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of DS8900F you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBM | DS8900F | 89.21.19.0, 89.21.31.0, 89.30.68.0, 89.32.40.0, 89.33.48.0 | Not stated |
| IBM | Ds8900f Firmware | 89.22.19.0; 89.30.68.0; 89.32.40.0; 89.33.48.0 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 5.6 | Medium | CNA (us.ibm.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
Official description
IBM DS8900F HMC 89.21.19.0, 89.21.31.0, 89.30.68.0, 89.32.40.0, and 89.33.48.0 could allow a remote attacker to bypass authentication restrictions for authorized user. IBM X-Force ID: 269409.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
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