CVE-2008-0402 in WebSphere Business Modeler
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in IBM WebSphere Business Modeler Basic and Advanced 6.0.2.1 before Interim Fix 11 allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions and delete unspecified repository resources via unknown vectors, even when they are not administrators or members of the repository s owning group.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0402 represents a critical access control flaw within IBM WebSphere Business Modeler Basic and Advanced versions 6.0.2.1, specifically before the installation of Interim Fix 11. This issue affects the authentication and authorization mechanisms that govern repository resource access, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this business modeling platform for enterprise-level operations. The vulnerability's nature is particularly concerning as it allows authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions, undermining the fundamental security model that should protect repository resources from unauthorized modification or deletion. The flaw exists in the privilege escalation mechanisms that should prevent non-administrative users from performing administrative operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive business model data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access control validation within the repository management system of WebSphere Business Modeler. The unspecified vectors that enable this bypass likely involve flaws in how the system validates user permissions when processing delete operations against repository resources. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically representing improper access control where the system fails to properly validate user privileges before executing sensitive operations. The vulnerability operates at the application level, exploiting weaknesses in the authentication context that should enforce strict role-based access controls. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform repository deletions without possessing the necessary administrative privileges or group membership, effectively circumventing the security boundaries that should protect critical business modeling assets.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0402 extends beyond simple data loss, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and availability of business model repositories that organizations depend upon for strategic planning and operational decision-making. When authenticated users can bypass access restrictions to delete unspecified repository resources, the potential for business disruption becomes substantial, particularly in environments where multiple stakeholders interact with the modeling platform. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by both internal and external attackers who have gained legitimate access to the system, as the flaw operates even when users possess only standard authentication credentials. The implications for business continuity are severe, as deletion of repository resources can result in loss of critical business process models, architectural designs, and other essential documentation that may require extensive time and resources to recreate.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of IBM Interim Fix 11, which specifically addresses the access control bypass mechanisms. The mitigation strategy must include comprehensive review of existing user access controls and privilege assignments to minimize potential exploitation opportunities. Security teams should implement monitoring of repository access patterns to detect anomalous deletion activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 Valid Accounts and T1485 Data Destruction, highlighting the need for layered defensive measures including account monitoring, privileged access management, and audit trail analysis. The remediation process should also involve comprehensive security testing of the patched environment to ensure that access control mechanisms function correctly and that no other similar vulnerabilities exist within the WebSphere Business Modeler ecosystem.