CVE-2023-28950 Overview
CVE-2023-28950 is an information disclosure vulnerability affecting IBM MQ versions 8.0, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, and 9.3. When trace functionality is enabled, the application could inadvertently disclose sensitive user information through trace files. This vulnerability allows a local attacker with low privileges to access confidential data that may be written to diagnostic trace logs, potentially exposing authentication credentials, user identities, or other sensitive information processed by the messaging queue system.
Critical Impact
Local attackers with access to the system can extract sensitive user information from IBM MQ trace files when tracing functionality is enabled, potentially leading to credential theft or further system compromise.
Affected Products
- IBM MQ 8.0.0.0
- IBM MQ 9.0.0.0 (LTS)
- IBM MQ 9.1.0.0 (LTS)
- IBM MQ 9.2.0 (LTS and Continuous Delivery)
- IBM MQ 9.3.0 (LTS and Continuous Delivery)
- Supported on HP-UX, IBM AIX, IBM i, Linux, Microsoft Windows, and Oracle Solaris
Discovery Timeline
- 2023-05-19 - CVE-2023-28950 published to NVD
- 2024-11-21 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2023-28950
Vulnerability Analysis
This information disclosure vulnerability exists within IBM MQ's trace file functionality. When administrators enable tracing for diagnostic purposes, the application captures detailed operational data to assist with troubleshooting. However, the trace mechanism insufficiently sanitizes sensitive user information before writing it to trace files, resulting in the potential exposure of confidential data.
The vulnerability requires local access to the system where IBM MQ is installed. An attacker with low-level privileges who can read trace files may extract sensitive information that should not be exposed. This could include user credentials, session tokens, or other authentication-related data that flows through the messaging queue infrastructure.
Root Cause
The root cause of CVE-2023-28950 stems from inadequate data sanitization within IBM MQ's trace logging mechanism. When trace functionality is enabled for debugging or diagnostic purposes, the system captures detailed information about message queue operations. The trace output fails to properly redact or mask sensitive user data before writing it to trace files, creating an information leakage vector accessible to local users with file system access.
Attack Vector
The attack vector for this vulnerability is local, requiring an attacker to have existing access to the system where IBM MQ is installed. The exploitation scenario involves:
- An administrator enables trace functionality for troubleshooting IBM MQ operations
- Sensitive user information is captured in plain text within the trace output
- A local attacker with read access to the trace file directory extracts the sensitive data
- The attacker leverages the disclosed information for further attacks, such as credential abuse or privilege escalation
The vulnerability does not require user interaction and can be exploited with low privilege levels, though the trace functionality must be explicitly enabled by an administrator.
Detection Methods for CVE-2023-28950
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected access to IBM MQ trace file directories by non-administrative users
- Unusual file read operations targeting *.TRC files or trace output directories
- Evidence of trace file exfiltration or copying to unauthorized locations
- Anomalous process activity associated with parsing or searching trace file contents
Detection Strategies
- Monitor file access patterns on IBM MQ trace directories for unauthorized read operations
- Implement file integrity monitoring on trace file storage locations
- Audit user access to IBM MQ installation directories, particularly /var/mqm/trace on Unix systems or equivalent Windows paths
- Configure SIEM alerts for access to trace files by non-privileged accounts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable audit logging for file system access to IBM MQ trace directories
- Monitor for bulk file operations targeting trace output locations
- Review IBM MQ administrative actions to detect unexpected trace enablement
- Implement endpoint detection for data exfiltration patterns involving trace files
How to Mitigate CVE-2023-28950
Immediate Actions Required
- Disable IBM MQ trace functionality unless actively required for troubleshooting
- Review and restrict file system permissions on trace file directories to administrative accounts only
- Audit existing trace files for sensitive information and securely delete unnecessary trace data
- Apply the latest security patches from IBM for all affected MQ versions
Patch Information
IBM has released security updates to address this vulnerability. Administrators should consult the IBM Support Article for detailed patch information and download links. Additional technical details are available through the IBM X-Force Vulnerability Database under ID 251358.
Organizations should prioritize patching based on their IBM MQ deployment exposure and ensure all affected versions (8.0, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, and 9.3) are updated to the latest security maintenance releases.
Workarounds
- Disable trace functionality when not actively required for troubleshooting operations
- Implement strict file system ACLs to prevent non-administrative access to trace directories
- Configure trace output to write to encrypted storage volumes where possible
- Establish operational procedures to securely delete trace files immediately after diagnostic use
# Restrict trace directory permissions on Unix/Linux systems
chmod 700 /var/mqm/trace
chown mqm:mqm /var/mqm/trace
# Verify trace is disabled when not needed
dspmqtrc -m QMGR_NAME
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
