CVE-2024-49342: IBM Informix Dynamic Server Vulnerable to Brute-Force Attacks
This blog post discusses CVE-2024-49342, a security vulnerability affecting IBM Informix Dynamic Server. Due to an inadequate account lockout policy, attackers can potentially brute-force user credentials.
🔍 TL;DR Summary
IBM Informix Dynamic Server 12.10 and 14.10 versions are susceptible to brute-force attacks because of weak account lockout settings. A remote attacker could repeatedly attempt to log in and potentially gain unauthorized access by guessing user credentials. Patching or mitigating is strongly advised.
🚨 Vulnerability Details
- CVE ID: CVE-2024-49342
- Description: IBM Informix Dynamic Server 12.10 and 14.10 uses an inadequate account lockout setting. This could allow a remote attacker to brute force account credentials.
- CVSS Score: 7.5 HIGH
- CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
- CVSS Explanation: The CVSS vector indicates a network-based attack (AV:N) with low complexity (AC:L). No privileges are required (PR:N) and no user interaction is needed (UI:N). A successful attack can lead to high confidentiality impact (C:H) but no impact on integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N).
- Exploit Requirements: An attacker needs network access to the Informix server and valid usernames to target. No prior authentication is needed.
- Affected Vendor: IBM
- Affected Product: Informix Dynamic Server
- Affected Versions: 12.10, 14.10
- CWE: CWE-307 - Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts
- CWE Explanation: CWE-307 refers to vulnerabilities arising from a lack of proper limits on authentication attempts. Without these limits, attackers can automate login attempts, increasing the likelihood of successfully guessing credentials through brute-force techniques.
📅 Timeline of Events
- 2024-49-342: Vulnerability assigned CVE ID.
- 2025-07-28: Vulnerability publicly disclosed.
- TBD: Patch release or mitigation guidance.
🧠 Exploitability & Real-World Risk
The vulnerability is highly exploitable due to its low attack complexity and the lack of required privileges. In real-world scenarios, this flaw can be misused by attackers targeting sensitive data stored within Informix databases. Successful exploitation leads to unauthorized access to confidential information, potentially causing significant business damage.
🛠️ Recommendations
- Apply Patches: Monitor IBM's official communication channels for patches and apply them immediately when available.
- Implement Account Lockout: Configure a strong account lockout policy with a limited number of failed login attempts and an adequate lockout duration.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Where possible, implement MFA for enhanced security.
- Monitor Login Attempts: Regularly monitor login attempts for suspicious activity, such as repeated failed attempts from the same IP address.
🧪 Technical Insight
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient protection against brute-force attacks. The account lockout mechanism, if present, isn't strict enough, allowing attackers to make numerous attempts before being blocked. A well-configured lockout mechanism with a short attempt window and longer lockout duration can significantly increase the difficulty of a successful brute-force attack.
🙌 Credit to Researcher(s)
This vulnerability was reported to IBM by an external security researcher (name to be announced if/when made public).
🔗 References
🧵 Tags
CVE, CVE-2024-49342, IBM Informix, Brute-Force, Account Lockout, Database Security
Summary: IBM Informix Dynamic Server 12.10 and 14.10 are vulnerable to brute-force attacks due to an inadequate account lockout setting, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access by repeatedly guessing user credentials.
CVE ID: CVE-2024-49342
Risk Analysis: Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the Informix database, potentially resulting in data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage.
Recommendation: Apply the latest patches, implement a strong account lockout policy, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), and monitor login attempts for suspicious activity.
Timeline
- 2024-49-342: CVE ID assigned
- 2025-07-28: Vulnerability publicly disclosed