CVE-1999-0852 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere sets permissions that allow a local user to modify a deinstallation script or its data files stored in /usr/bin.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2026
This vulnerability resides in IBM WebSphere application server installations where improper file permissions are configured during the installation process. The flaw specifically affects the deinstallation script and its associated data files located in the /usr/bin directory. A local user with minimal privileges can exploit this misconfiguration to gain unauthorized access to modify critical system components that are typically protected from user intervention. The vulnerability stems from inadequate permission settings that fail to properly restrict write access to system-critical files, creating a persistent security weakness that can be leveraged for privilege escalation or system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the installation process failing to establish appropriate discretionary access controls on deinstallation artifacts. When IBM WebSphere is installed, it places certain administrative scripts and data files in the /usr/bin directory with permissions that are too permissive for a local user to modify these critical components. This misconfiguration violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper file access control. The vulnerability is classified as a permissions flaw that directly impacts the system's integrity and can be categorized under CWE-732 - Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor mechanism where unauthorized modifications to system-critical files can occur without proper authorization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized modifications to the application server environment. An attacker with local access can modify the deinstallation script to execute malicious code during uninstallation or alter data files to manipulate system behavior. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited to maintain access or cause system instability. The vulnerability can be exploited through standard local user accounts without requiring elevated privileges, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where users may have legitimate access to the system. The potential for privilege escalation and system compromise aligns with attack patterns found in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, where local users can leverage misconfigured permissions to execute malicious commands.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention to correct file permissions on the affected deinstallation scripts and data files within the /usr/bin directory. System administrators should ensure that these critical files are protected with appropriate permissions that prevent unauthorized modification while maintaining legitimate administrative access. The recommended approach involves implementing proper discretionary access controls with restrictive permissions, typically setting ownership to root and removing write permissions for non-privileged users. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that installation artifacts maintain appropriate access controls and that no unauthorized modifications have occurred. Organizations should also implement automated monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized changes to critical system files and establish proper change management procedures for system modifications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security configuration management and adherence to security baseline standards such as those defined by NIST SP 800-53 and CIS Controls.