MQ Operator: Incorrect Comparison
CVE-2024-39742 is a critical-severity incorrect comparison vulnerability in MQ Operator 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 MQ Operator versions: 2.0.24, 3.2.2; 2.0.24; 3.2.2. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.76% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 56% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of MQ Operator you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on ibm.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 | MQ Operator | 2.0.24, 3.2.2; 2.0.24; 3.2.2 | 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 | 8.1 | High | CNA (us.ibm.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
Official description
IBM MQ Operator 3.2.2 and IBM MQ Operator 2.0.24 could allow a user to bypass authentication under certain configurations due to a partial string comparison vulnerability. IBM X-Force ID: 297169.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Incorrect Comparison
The product compares two entities in a security-relevant context, but the comparison is incorrect.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in MQ Operator
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Recent Incorrect Comparison vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
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