CVE-2023-38267 is a vulnerability identified in IBM Security Verify Access Appliance versions 10.0.0.0 through 10.0.6.1, including the Docker-based deployment 10.0.6.1. The core issue is the lack of encryption for sensitive configuration data stored or processed by the appliance, classified under CWE-311 (Missing Encryption of Sensitive Data). This flaw allows a local attacker—someone with access to the appliance's operating environment—to read sensitive configuration information that should be protected. Such information could include credentials, keys, or configuration parameters critical to the appliance's security posture. By obtaining this data, the attacker may be able to elevate their privileges within the appliance, potentially gaining administrative capabilities or further access to the protected environment. The vulnerability does not require prior authentication or user interaction, but it does require local access, which limits the attack surface to insiders or attackers who have already compromised a local system. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.2 reflects a medium severity, with a high impact on confidentiality but no direct impact on integrity or availability. No public exploits have been reported, and IBM has not yet published patches at the time of this report. The vulnerability was reserved in July 2023 and published in January 2024 by IBM X-Force (ID 260584).

For European organizations, the exposure of sensitive configuration data in IBM Security Verify Access Appliances can lead to significant confidentiality breaches. Since these appliances are often deployed in enterprise environments to manage authentication and access control, unauthorized privilege escalation could allow attackers to bypass security controls, access sensitive systems, or move laterally within the network. This could compromise critical business applications, sensitive personal data protected under GDPR, and intellectual property. The requirement for local access reduces the likelihood of remote exploitation but increases the risk from insider threats or attackers who have already gained foothold in the network. The impact is particularly relevant for sectors with stringent access management needs, such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure. Failure to address this vulnerability could result in regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and operational disruptions.

1. Monitor IBM’s official security advisories closely and apply patches or updates as soon as they become available to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Restrict local access to IBM Security Verify Access Appliances strictly to authorized and trusted personnel only, using physical security controls and network segmentation. 3. Implement robust logging and monitoring on the appliance and surrounding infrastructure to detect unusual access patterns or privilege escalations. 4. Use host-based security controls and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions on systems hosting the appliance to detect potential local exploitation attempts. 5. Review and harden appliance configuration to minimize exposure of sensitive data, including disabling unnecessary services and enforcing encryption where possible. 6. Conduct regular security audits and insider threat assessments to identify and mitigate risks from local users. 7. Consider deploying additional layers of access control and multi-factor authentication for administrative access to the appliance environment.