CVE-2022-34354 is a vulnerability identified in IBM Sterling Partner Engagement Manager version 2.0, categorized under CWE-922, which pertains to the insecure storage of sensitive information. The vulnerability arises because the product allows encrypted client data to be stored locally on the system; however, this encrypted data can be accessed and read by other users on the same system. This indicates that the encryption or access control mechanisms protecting the stored data are insufficient or improperly implemented, leading to potential unauthorized disclosure of sensitive client information. The vulnerability does not require remote exploitation or network access, as it involves local system access, and no user interaction beyond having access to the system is necessary. Although the data is encrypted, the fact that other users on the system can read it suggests that encryption keys or decryption mechanisms may be accessible or that the encryption is weak or improperly applied. There are no known exploits in the wild, and IBM has not published a patch link, indicating that remediation may require configuration changes or future updates. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on November 16, 2022, and is tracked by IBM X-Force under ID 230424. The issue primarily affects confidentiality, as unauthorized users can potentially access sensitive client data, but the integrity and availability of the system are not directly impacted by this vulnerability.

For European organizations using IBM Sterling Partner Engagement Manager 2.0, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality of sensitive client data stored locally. Unauthorized access by other users on the same system could lead to data breaches, exposing client information that may include personally identifiable information (PII), business-sensitive data, or contractual details. This exposure could result in regulatory non-compliance under GDPR, leading to legal penalties and reputational damage. Additionally, organizations in sectors such as finance, manufacturing, and supply chain management, which often rely on IBM Partner Engagement Manager for partner collaboration, may face increased risks of insider threats or lateral movement by malicious actors who gain local access. The vulnerability does not directly affect system availability or data integrity but could indirectly impact trust and operational security. Given the local nature of the vulnerability, organizations with multi-user environments or shared systems are at higher risk. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate threat levels but does not eliminate the risk, especially if attackers gain local access through other means.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should implement strict access controls and user permissions on systems running IBM Sterling Partner Engagement Manager 2.0 to ensure that only authorized personnel can access the local storage where encrypted client data resides. Employing operating system-level encryption and file system permissions can add an additional layer of protection. Organizations should audit and monitor local user accounts and restrict the number of users with local system access. Where possible, isolate the application environment to dedicated machines or virtualized instances to minimize multi-user exposure. Regularly review and update encryption configurations to ensure strong cryptographic standards are used, and verify that encryption keys are securely managed and not accessible to unauthorized users. Since no patch is currently available, organizations should engage with IBM support for guidance and monitor IBM security advisories for updates or patches. Additionally, implementing endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions can help detect unauthorized access attempts. Finally, organizations should conduct regular security training to raise awareness about the risks of local data exposure and enforce policies that limit unnecessary local access.