CVE-2024-31896 Overview
CVE-2024-31896 affects IBM SPSS Statistics versions 26.0, 27.0.1, 28.0.1, and 29.0.2. The product uses weaker than expected cryptographic algorithms, which could allow a network-based attacker to decrypt sensitive information. The weakness is categorized under [CWE-327] (Use of a Broken or Risky Cryptographic Algorithm). No authentication or user interaction is required to exploit the flaw, and the impact is limited to confidentiality of protected data.
Critical Impact
A remote attacker can decrypt highly sensitive information protected by IBM SPSS Statistics due to the use of insufficient cryptographic algorithms.
Affected Products
- IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0
- IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0.1
- IBM SPSS Statistics 28.0.1 and 29.0.2
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-03-25 - CVE-2024-31896 published to NVD
- 2025-08-18 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-31896
Vulnerability Analysis
IBM SPSS Statistics relies on cryptographic algorithms that do not meet current strength requirements. An attacker who intercepts protected data can apply modern cryptanalysis to recover plaintext content. The flaw maps to [CWE-327], which covers the use of broken or risky cryptographic primitives. Because the attack vector is network-based and no privileges are required, exposed traffic or stored ciphertext can be targeted remotely.
The issue affects confidentiality only. Integrity and availability of the application are not impacted, but recovered plaintext may include statistical datasets, credentials, or other regulated material processed by the analytics platform.
Root Cause
The root cause is the selection and continued use of cryptographic algorithms that current standards consider weak. Examples of patterns commonly associated with [CWE-327] include short key lengths, deprecated block ciphers, weak hashing functions, or insecure modes of operation. The IBM advisory should be consulted for the exact algorithm replaced in the fixed release.
Attack Vector
An unauthenticated remote attacker who obtains ciphertext, either via network capture or access to encrypted artifacts produced by SPSS Statistics, can perform offline cryptanalysis to recover the original data. No interaction with a legitimate user is required. The attack succeeds whenever the targeted version still relies on the vulnerable algorithm. See the IBM Support Documentation for vendor-specific technical detail.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-31896
Indicators of Compromise
- No public indicators of compromise are associated with CVE-2024-31896 at this time.
- Unexpected access to SPSS data files (.sav, .spv) followed by exfiltration patterns to external destinations.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory all IBM SPSS Statistics installations and confirm whether they run versions 26.0, 27.0.1, 28.0.1, or 29.0.2.
- Inspect network traffic to and from SPSS clients and servers for use of deprecated cipher suites or unauthenticated channels.
- Audit storage locations of SPSS-produced files to identify ciphertext that may need re-encryption after patching.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track process execution and file access for the SPSS Statistics binaries on managed endpoints.
- Alert on unusual outbound transfers of statistical datasets, especially over plaintext protocols.
- Monitor authentication and access logs on systems hosting SPSS data shares for anomalous read activity.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-31896
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the security update referenced in the IBM Support Documentation for CVE-2024-31896.
- Identify and re-encrypt any sensitive data previously protected by the vulnerable algorithm after upgrading.
- Rotate keys, credentials, and secrets that may have been processed by affected SPSS Statistics versions.
Patch Information
IBM has published a security bulletin and remediation guidance for affected SPSS Statistics versions. Refer to the IBM Support Documentation for the fixed version, download links, and upgrade procedures applicable to versions 26.0, 27.0.1, 28.0.1, and 29.0.2.
Workarounds
- Restrict network exposure of SPSS Statistics services to trusted management networks only.
- Enforce TLS at the transport layer for any client-server communication involving SPSS to limit ciphertext capture opportunities.
- Limit access to SPSS-generated artifacts using strong file system permissions until patching is complete.
# Example: identify installed IBM SPSS Statistics version on Windows
wmic product where "Name like 'IBM SPSS Statistics%%'" get Name,Version
# Example: identify installed IBM SPSS Statistics version on Linux
rpm -qa | grep -i spss || dpkg -l | grep -i spss
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
