CVE-2024-28799 Overview
CVE-2024-28799 is an information disclosure vulnerability affecting IBM QRadar Suite Software versions 1.10.12.0 through 1.10.23.0 and IBM Cloud Pak for Security versions 1.10.0.0 through 1.10.11.0. The flaw exposes sensitive data to a local privileged user during execution of back-end commands when the product runs in non-default configurations. IBM tracks this issue as X-Force ID 287173 and classifies it under [CWE-214: Invocation of Process Using Visible Sensitive Information].
The vulnerability does not enable code execution or tampering, but it can leak credentials or other sensitive operational data to unauthorized observers on the system.
Critical Impact
Sensitive data, potentially including credentials, can be disclosed to local privileged users through back-end command execution in non-default configurations.
Affected Products
- IBM QRadar Suite Software 1.10.12.0 through 1.10.23.0
- IBM Cloud Pak for Security 1.10.0.0 through 1.10.11.0
- Deployments running in non-default configurations
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-08-14 - CVE-2024-28799 published to NVD
- 2024-09-21 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-28799
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is an information disclosure issue categorized under [CWE-214]. IBM QRadar Suite Software and IBM Cloud Pak for Security expose sensitive data during the execution of back-end commands. When operators run administrative or maintenance routines under non-default configurations, the platform renders sensitive values in a way that other local privileged users can observe.
The scope is limited to confidentiality. Integrity and availability of the platform remain intact, but exposed values such as credentials, tokens, or configuration secrets can be reused by an observer to access protected resources.
The EPSS probability is 0.136% (percentile 33.199), reflecting limited public exploitation activity. No public proof-of-concept or exploit kit is currently associated with this CVE.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper handling of sensitive parameters during process invocation. Back-end command flows in non-default configurations include sensitive arguments or environment data that become visible through standard process introspection mechanisms. This pattern matches [CWE-214: Invocation of Process Using Visible Sensitive Information], where command-line arguments or process metadata expose secrets to anyone able to list local processes.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires a local privileged user on a host running an affected QRadar Suite or Cloud Pak for Security version with a non-default configuration. The attacker enumerates running processes or inspects diagnostic output produced by back-end commands. Sensitive values surfaced in those flows can then be collected without triggering authentication controls. The vulnerability does not require user interaction with the operator running the back-end command.
No verified exploit code is publicly available. See the IBM Support Documentation and IBM X-Force Vulnerability #287173 for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-28799
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected process enumeration activity by privileged accounts on QRadar Suite or Cloud Pak for Security hosts
- Access to diagnostic logs or command history containing back-end command output by accounts outside the administrative workflow
- Use of credentials or tokens originally consumed by QRadar back-end processes from new or unexpected sources
Detection Strategies
- Audit shell history, /proc/*/cmdline reads, and process-listing commands on affected hosts to detect harvesting of sensitive arguments
- Correlate executions of QRadar back-end administrative commands with concurrent process enumeration by other users
- Inventory deployments and flag instances running non-default configurations referenced in the IBM advisory
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward operating system audit logs from QRadar Suite and Cloud Pak for Security nodes to a centralized analytics platform for review
- Alert on access to diagnostic or trace files generated by back-end commands by accounts not assigned to operations
- Rotate any credentials referenced by back-end commands and monitor for their subsequent reuse from unexpected hosts
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-28799
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all IBM QRadar Suite Software deployments in the affected range 1.10.12.0 through 1.10.23.0 and Cloud Pak for Security deployments 1.10.0.0 through 1.10.11.0
- Apply the IBM-supplied fix referenced in the IBM Support Documentation
- Review whether the deployment is running a non-default configuration matching the advisory and prioritize patching those systems first
- Rotate credentials, API keys, and tokens that may have been processed by back-end commands during the exposure window
Patch Information
IBM has published remediation guidance and a fixed build through the official advisory. Refer to the IBM Support Documentation for the supported upgrade path and to IBM X-Force Vulnerability #287173 for vulnerability metadata.
Workarounds
- Restrict local privileged access on QRadar Suite and Cloud Pak for Security hosts to a minimal set of administrators
- Revert to default configurations where operationally feasible until the patch is applied
- Enforce session isolation so concurrent privileged users cannot enumerate each other's processes on affected hosts
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
