CVE-2024-37068 Overview
CVE-2024-37068 affects IBM Maximo Application Suite - Manage Component versions 8.10, 8.11, and 9.0. The product uses weaker than expected cryptographic algorithms, exposing transmitted data to decryption by network-positioned attackers. The flaw maps to CWE-327: Use of a Broken or Risky Cryptographic Algorithm. An attacker performing a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack on the network path between client and server can capture and decrypt sensitive information protected by the weak algorithm. Exploitation requires no authentication and no user interaction.
Critical Impact
Network-positioned attackers can decrypt highly sensitive information protected by weak cryptographic algorithms in IBM Maximo Application Suite - Manage Component.
Affected Products
- IBM Maximo Application Suite - Manage Component 8.10
- IBM Maximo Application Suite - Manage Component 8.11
- IBM Maximo Application Suite - Manage Component 9.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-09-07 - CVE-2024-37068 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2024-09-21 - CVE-2024-37068 last updated in NVD
Technical Details for CVE-2024-37068
Vulnerability Analysis
IBM Maximo Application Suite - Manage Component relies on cryptographic algorithms that no longer meet current security expectations. The weak algorithm protects sensitive data in transit, including credentials and business records exchanged between clients and the Manage Component service. An attacker who intercepts encrypted traffic can perform offline cryptanalysis or downgrade the session to recover plaintext.
The network attack path means any adversary capable of observing or relaying traffic between Maximo clients and the Manage Component can target this weakness. Typical scenarios include compromised routers, malicious Wi-Fi infrastructure, ARP spoofing on internal segments, and rogue TLS-terminating proxies. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality only; integrity and availability are not directly affected.
Root Cause
The root cause is the use of cryptographic primitives, modes, or key sizes that fall below contemporary cryptographic standards. Weak ciphers permit known attacks such as collision exploitation, key recovery, or feasible brute force against intercepted ciphertext. IBM has not publicly enumerated the specific algorithm in the advisory.
Attack Vector
Exploitation occurs over the network and requires the attacker to occupy a man-in-the-middle position on the communication path. Once traffic is captured, the attacker applies cryptanalytic techniques against the weak algorithm to recover plaintext. No credentials, privileges, or user interaction are required to mount the attack.
No verified proof-of-concept code is publicly available for CVE-2024-37068. Refer to the IBM Support Document and the IBM X-Force Vulnerability Report for vendor-supplied technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-37068
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected TLS or application-layer negotiations selecting deprecated ciphers, hashes, or short key lengths against the Manage Component endpoints.
- ARP table anomalies, duplicate MAC addresses, or unexpected gateway changes on network segments hosting Maximo clients and servers.
- Outbound Maximo client traffic routed through unauthorized proxies or non-corporate egress points.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect TLS handshakes to Manage Component services and alert on cipher suites or protocol versions below organizational policy.
- Correlate network telemetry from switches and firewalls to identify on-path interception patterns affecting Maximo communications.
- Compare the running Maximo Application Suite version against 8.10, 8.11, and 9.0 build inventories to confirm exposure.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable packet capture or flow logging on Maximo network segments and retain data sufficient for retroactive cryptographic analysis.
- Monitor authentication and session activity in the Manage Component for anomalies consistent with credential replay following decryption.
- Subscribe to IBM Security Bulletins for CVE-2024-37068 to track patch availability and revised guidance.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-37068
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the remediation referenced in the IBM Support Document for CVE-2024-37068 on all Manage Component instances running affected versions.
- Restrict network exposure of Maximo Manage Component endpoints to trusted management networks until patching is complete.
- Force re-enrollment or rotation of any credentials, API keys, or secrets that may have traversed the affected channel.
Patch Information
IBM has issued guidance for CVE-2024-37068 through the IBM Support Document and the IBM X-Force Vulnerability Report. Administrators should follow the vendor's prescribed upgrade or configuration changes for Manage Component 8.10, 8.11, and 9.0.
Workarounds
- Enforce strong TLS configurations at network terminators in front of Maximo, disabling deprecated ciphers and protocol versions where supported.
- Tunnel Maximo client-to-server traffic through an IPsec or modern VPN overlay to remove untrusted segments from the data path.
- Segment Maximo infrastructure into a restricted VLAN and apply strict access control lists to reduce opportunities for MITM positioning.
# Example: scan a Maximo Manage Component endpoint for weak TLS ciphers
nmap --script ssl-enum-ciphers -p 443 maximo.example.local
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
