CVE-2005-4834 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) 5.0.2.5 through 5.1.1.3 allows remote attackers to obtain JSP source code and other sensitive information, related to incorrect request processing by the web container.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2019
IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 5.0.2.5 through 5.1.1.3 contain a critical information disclosure vulnerability that stems from improper request handling within the web container component. This vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-200 - Information Exposure, specifically manifesting as the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data including JSP source code and other confidential application artifacts. The flaw occurs when the web container fails to properly validate or sanitize incoming requests, allowing malicious actors to craft specific HTTP requests that bypass normal access controls and retrieve internal application resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a weakness in the request processing pipeline where the web container does not adequately verify the legitimacy of requests targeting JSP files or other sensitive resources. Attackers can leverage this by sending specially crafted requests that cause the server to return the raw source code of JSP files, configuration files, or other sensitive information that should normally be protected from direct access. This occurs because the web container's request routing mechanism fails to properly enforce access controls for certain file types or request patterns, creating an information leakage channel that can be systematically exploited.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with comprehensive insights into the target application's internal structure and implementation details. When combined with other reconnaissance activities, the exposure of JSP source code can reveal database connection strings, API keys, hardcoded credentials, and application logic that significantly reduces the overall security posture. This information can be leveraged for further exploitation techniques including privilege escalation, injection attacks, and targeted social engineering campaigns. The vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1592 - Vulnerability Discovery, where adversaries systematically identify and exploit information disclosure weaknesses in web applications.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of IBM WebSphere Application Server, configuring proper access controls for JSP files and sensitive resources, and implementing network-level restrictions to prevent unauthorized access to application internals. The remediation process should also involve conducting comprehensive security assessments to identify any potential exploitation that may have occurred, as the exposure of source code could have enabled attackers to develop more sophisticated attack vectors. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and request filtering mechanisms within the web container configuration can help prevent similar issues from occurring in other applications within the environment.