CVE-2021-39081 - How Weak Encryption in IBM Cognos Analytics Mobile for Android 1.1.14 Could Let Attackers Steal Your Data
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When it comes to enterprise data security, weak encryption is a silent but dangerous threat. In this long-read post, we’re zeroing in on CVE-2021-39081: a vulnerability in IBM Cognos Analytics Mobile for Android 1.1.14. If you manage sensitive information with Cognos Analytics, this is a flaw you need to know about. We'll explain what the vulnerability is, demonstrate how it works with code snippets, show you why it’s risky, and give you practical mitigation advice.
What is CVE-2021-39081?
CVE-2021-39081 is a security flaw discovered in the IBM Cognos Analytics Mobile for Android app (version 1.1.14 and possibly earlier). The issue? The app uses weaker than expected cryptographic algorithms to protect highly sensitive information. That means an attacker could decrypt confidential app data with less effort than you’d expect from a secure enterprise solution.
Why Does This Matter?
Encryption is supposed to guard your data against attackers. But not all encryption is equal. If an app relies on outdated or weak cryptographic methods—like using a small key size, obsolete algorithms (e.g., DES, MD5), or hardcoded keys—attackers can break through with common hacking tools. In this case, private business analytics, reports, or credentials stored or transmitted via the Cognos Analytics mobile app could be at risk.
Exploit Details
The vulnerability is rooted in the app's use of insecure cryptographic practices. Here's what can happen:
- Sensitive data (like cached reports, authentication tokens, or credentials) is encrypted with a weak algorithm (e.g., AES-ECB, DES, or similar).
Hypothetical Exploit Scenario
Suppose the Cognos app encrypts local report data using a weak cipher. An attacker gets a copy of the app’s data storage (via USB extraction, malware, etc.). If the encryption uses a static or insufficiently random key, or a weak algorithm, the attacker can run a brute-force or known-plaintext attack to recover the original records.
Code Snippet: Decrypting Weakly Encrypted Data
Imagine the app uses DES (an outdated symmetrical cipher) with a static key. Here’s a Python code snippet showing how an attacker might decrypt such data once the key and algorithm are known:
from Crypto.Cipher import DES
# Suppose the key is extracted by reverse-engineering the app (BAD PRACTICE)
key = b'ABCDEFGH' # Weak, static key
cipher_text = b'\x7F\xD\xBA\x10\x98\x5E\x45\x9B' # Example cipher text
des = DES.new(key, DES.MODE_ECB)
plain_text = des.decrypt(cipher_text)
print('Decrypted Data:', plain_text)
*Note: This is a hypothetical illustration. The real-world key or algorithm might differ but the concept applies.*
How Attackers Exploit This (Step by Step)
1. Access the Device or Storage: via malware, rooting, or lost/stolen device.
2. Extract App Data: use adb (Android Debug Bridge) or other file explorer tools.
3. Reverse-Engineer the APK: tools like JADX can decompile APKs and reveal hardcoded keys or weak cryptographic implementation.
Real-world Implications
- Disclosure of Business Reports: Attackers gain access to confidential business analytics, forecasts, or financial data.
- User Impersonation: If tokens or credentials are exposed, bad actors can access backend services as legitimate users.
- Regulatory Violations: Leaks of protected information can trigger compliance penalties under laws like GDPR or HIPAA.
IBM’s Official Guidance and Patch
IBM assigned CVSS 3.1 Base Score: 5.9 (Medium) for this bug. They recommend upgrading to a fixed version as soon as it becomes available. The best protection is to update your app and backend to versions that use recommended cryptographic algorithms (such as AES with CBC or GCM, and sufficient key length).
References:
- NVD - CVE-2021-39081
- IBM Security Bulletin: Weak cryptographic algorithms in Cognos Analytics Mobile
- NIST - Transitioning the Use of Cryptographic Algorithms and Key Lengths (SP 800-131A Rev. 2)
What You Should Do
- Upgrade Immediately: Ensure Cognos Analytics Mobile is updated to a version that uses strong, industry-standard encryption.
- Protect Devices: Use device encryption and strong PINs/passwords on mobile devices.
Conclusion
CVE-2021-39081 is a reminder that weak encryption can unravel all the layers of security your organization builds. Actions speak louder than words: audit your apps for cryptography issues and don’t put off those security updates.
If you’re running IBM Cognos Analytics Mobile for Android, patch up now—before someone else runs off with your business intelligence.
*Stay safe and stay updated! If you have questions about securing mobile data or handling cryptographic weaknesses, drop them below or reach out to your security team today.*
Timeline
Published on: 12/19/2024 01:15:05 UTC