CVE-2003-1447 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Advanced Server Edition 4.0.4 uses a weak encryption algorithm (XOR and base64 encoding), which allows local users to decrypt passwords when the configuration file is exported to XML.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1447 affects IBM WebSphere Advanced Server Edition version 4.0.4 and represents a significant cryptographic weakness that undermines the security of password storage within the application server configuration. This flaw resides in the manner in which passwords are handled during the export process to XML format, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to sensitive authentication credentials. The vulnerability specifically exploits the use of weak encryption mechanisms that combine XOR operations with base64 encoding, which together provide minimal cryptographic protection against determined attackers. According to CWE-327, this vulnerability falls under the category of use of a broken or weak cryptographic algorithm, where the implementation fails to provide adequate security measures for protecting sensitive data. The weakness becomes particularly pronounced when configuration files containing password information are exported to XML format, as the encryption method employed can be readily reversed or bypassed by local users with sufficient technical knowledge.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application server's inadequate approach to password encryption during configuration management operations. When administrators export server configuration data to XML format, the system applies a simplistic encryption scheme that relies on XOR operations combined with base64 encoding rather than robust cryptographic standards. This approach fails to meet modern security requirements as XOR encryption with base64 encoding provides no meaningful protection against reverse engineering attempts. The weak algorithmic approach creates a scenario where an attacker with local access to the exported XML files can easily decrypt the stored passwords through standard cryptographic analysis techniques. The vulnerability operates at the application level and does not require network connectivity or remote exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by any user with local system access to the server configuration files.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-1447 extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical enterprise systems and potentially escalate privileges within the WebSphere environment. Local users who can access the exported configuration files can obtain administrative passwords, database credentials, and other sensitive authentication information that may be used to compromise the entire application server infrastructure. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity aspects of the CIA triad, as it allows unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data and potentially enables privilege escalation attacks. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which involves the use of credentials from password storage modules, and represents a form of credential access that can be executed with minimal technical sophistication. Organizations relying on WebSphere Advanced Server Edition 4.0.4 face significant risk of unauthorized access to their enterprise applications, particularly in environments where local system access is not properly restricted.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and the underlying architectural weakness in the password handling mechanism. Organizations should immediately upgrade to a newer version of IBM WebSphere Advanced Server Edition that implements proper cryptographic standards for password encryption, as the affected version 4.0.4 contains known security deficiencies that have been resolved in subsequent releases. System administrators should implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized local access to configuration files and consider disabling or restricting the export functionality that triggers this vulnerability. The implementation of proper key management practices and the use of strong encryption algorithms such as AES-256 should be enforced for all sensitive data storage operations. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that no legacy configuration files containing weakly encrypted passwords remain accessible within the system. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized access attempts to configuration files and establish incident response procedures for handling potential credential compromise scenarios. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper cryptographic implementation and the necessity of adhering to established security standards and best practices for protecting sensitive enterprise data.