CVE-2023-31001 is a vulnerability identified in IBM Security Verify Access Appliance versions 10.0.0.0 through 10.0.6.1, including the Docker variant 10.0.6.1. The issue arises from the appliance temporarily storing sensitive information, such as passwords, in files on the local filesystem in a recoverable format. This storage method violates secure credential handling best practices (CWE-257), which recommend that passwords should never be stored in a recoverable or plaintext format. The vulnerability allows any local user on the system to access these files and retrieve sensitive credentials without requiring authentication or user interaction. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.1 (medium severity), reflecting that exploitation requires local access (AV:L), high attack complexity (AC:H), no privileges required (PR:N), and no user interaction (UI:N). The impact is primarily on confidentiality, as attackers can obtain sensitive passwords, but there is no direct impact on integrity or availability. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, and IBM has not yet published patches, though the issue is publicly disclosed. This vulnerability poses a risk in environments where multiple users have local access or where local access controls are weak, potentially enabling lateral movement or privilege escalation by exposing credentials stored insecurely.

For European organizations, the primary impact is the potential compromise of sensitive credentials stored on IBM Security Verify Access Appliances. This could lead to unauthorized access to identity and access management functions, enabling attackers to impersonate users or escalate privileges within the network. Confidentiality breaches could expose user credentials and sensitive authentication data, undermining trust in enterprise security infrastructure. While the vulnerability requires local access, environments with shared administrative access or insufficient endpoint security controls are at heightened risk. Critical sectors such as finance, government, and telecommunications that rely on IBM Security Verify Access for identity management could face increased risk of insider threats or lateral attacks. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate urgency but does not eliminate the risk, especially given the strategic importance of identity management appliances in securing enterprise environments.

European organizations should implement strict local access controls to limit who can log into or access the filesystem of IBM Security Verify Access Appliances. Employ role-based access control (RBAC) and ensure that only trusted administrators have local system access. Monitor and audit local file access, particularly for files that may contain sensitive information. Use host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) to detect unauthorized file reads or suspicious activity. Until IBM releases official patches, consider isolating the appliance in a secure network segment with limited administrative access. Regularly review and harden appliance configurations to minimize unnecessary local user accounts. Additionally, implement strong endpoint security and multi-factor authentication for administrative access to reduce the risk of credential compromise. Stay informed on IBM advisories and apply patches promptly once available.