CVE-2008-7274 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) 6.1.0.9, when the JAAS Login functionality is enabled, allows attackers to perform an internal application hashtable login by (1) not providing a password or (2) providing an empty password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2021
IBM WebSphere Application Server version 6.1.0.9 contains a critical authentication vulnerability that stems from improper handling of JAAS Login functionality when enabled. This weakness creates a fundamental flaw in the server's credential validation process where the system fails to properly validate authentication attempts that lack password input or contain empty password values. The vulnerability operates at the core authentication layer of the application server, specifically within the Java Authentication and Authorization Service framework that governs user access controls. When an attacker submits a login request without providing a password or with an empty password field, the system erroneously accepts these malformed credentials as valid authentication attempts, effectively bypassing the normal authentication process.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper handling of authentication credentials, and represents a classic case of inadequate input validation within the authentication mechanism. The flaw manifests as a failure in the authentication module to enforce mandatory password fields during the login process, creating an authentication bypass condition that allows unauthorized access to protected application resources. This weakness is particularly dangerous because it operates silently without generating authentication failure logs, making it difficult to detect through standard monitoring mechanisms. The vulnerability exists in the server's internal hashtable login functionality, which maintains user session data and authentication state information, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to sensitive application components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data breaches, privilege escalation, and system compromise. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain access to applications hosted on the WebSphere server without requiring valid credentials, potentially leading to complete system compromise if the applications contain sensitive data or administrative functions. The vulnerability affects the entire application server ecosystem, as the JAAS login functionality is fundamental to user authentication across all applications deployed on the platform. Organizations using IBM WebSphere Application Server 6.1.0.9 with JAAS enabled are particularly at risk, as this vulnerability could be exploited through various attack vectors including automated scanning tools or manual exploitation attempts. The attack pattern described in the vulnerability follows ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers valid accounts through default accounts, as the system accepts empty passwords as legitimate authentication credentials.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the IBM WebSphere Application Server to the latest available security fixes from IBM. Organizations should also implement additional security controls including disabling unnecessary JAAS login functionality, implementing strict input validation for authentication requests, and monitoring for anomalous login patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of vulnerable WebSphere instances to untrusted networks. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential authentication bypass opportunities within their application server environments and ensure that proper credential policies are enforced throughout the organization's IT infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of robust input validation and proper authentication design principles in enterprise application servers, as even seemingly minor flaws in credential handling can lead to complete system compromise.