CVE-2021-38979

Name: CVE-2021-38979
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-11-15T16:15:09.96+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.5/10EPSS 0.69%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-38979 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.5/10 on the CVSS scale. IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager 3.0, 3.0.1, 4.0, and 4.1 uses a one-way cryptographic hash against an input that should not be reversible, such as a password, but the software does not also use a salt as part of the input. IBM X-Force ID: 212785.. EPSS estimates a 0.69% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager 3.0, 3.0.1, 4.0, and 4.1 uses a one-way cryptographic hash against an input that should not be reversible, such as a password, but the software does not also use a salt as part of the input. IBM X-Force ID: 212785.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.5/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

EPSS Probability

0.69%

48.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-916

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Ibm	Security Guardium Key Lifecycle Manager	4.1.0
Ibm	Security Guardium Key Lifecycle Manager	4.1.0.1
Ibm	Security Guardium Key Lifecycle Manager	4.1.1
Ibm	Security Key Lifecycle Manager	>= 3.0, <= 3.0.0.4
Ibm	Security Key Lifecycle Manager	>= 3.0.1, <= 3.0.1.5
Ibm	Security Key Lifecycle Manager	>= 4.0, <= 4.0.0.3
Ibm	Security Key Lifecycle Manager	4.1.0
Ibm	Security Key Lifecycle Manager	4.1.0.1
Ibm	Security Key Lifecycle Manager	4.1.1

References

https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/212785VDB Entry, Vendor Advisory
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6516034Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/212785VDB Entry, Vendor Advisory
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6516034Patch, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Nov 15, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-38979?

How severe is CVE-2021-38979?

CVE-2021-38979 has a CVSS score of 7.5/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.69% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-38979?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2021-38979?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST