CVE-2009-0436 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
The (1) mod_ibm_ssl and (2) mod_cgid modules in IBM HTTP Server 6.0.x before 6.0.2.31 and 6.1.x before 6.1.0.19, as used in WebSphere Application Server (WAS), set incorrect permissions for AF_UNIX sockets, which has unknown impact and local attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-0436 affects IBM HTTP Server versions prior to specific patch levels, specifically impacting the mod_ibm_ssl and mod_cgid modules. This issue resides within the WebSphere Application Server ecosystem where IBM HTTP Server serves as a critical component for web traffic handling. The vulnerability manifests through improper permission settings on AF_UNIX sockets, which are Unix domain sockets used for inter-process communication within the server environment. These sockets are essential for facilitating communication between different server modules and processes, particularly when handling SSL connections and CGI processing.
The technical flaw stems from the incorrect configuration of socket permissions during the creation of AF_UNIX sockets by the affected modules. When modules create these sockets, they fail to properly set the file permissions, potentially allowing unauthorized local users to access or manipulate these communication channels. This misconfiguration creates a privilege escalation vector where local attackers with minimal privileges could potentially exploit the improperly secured socket connections. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because AF_UNIX sockets typically require specific permission settings to ensure secure inter-process communication, and the failure to properly configure these permissions creates a significant security gap in the server's access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it affects the fundamental security posture of WebSphere Application Server deployments. Local attackers who can access these improperly configured sockets may be able to intercept communications, manipulate data flows, or potentially execute unauthorized operations within the server context. This vulnerability represents a classic case of inadequate access control implementation, where the default socket creation process fails to enforce proper security boundaries. The unknown impact designation indicates that the full scope of potential exploitation techniques and consequences remains unclear, but the local attack vector suggests that any user with access to the server could potentially leverage this weakness.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch application to update IBM HTTP Server to versions 6.0.2.31 or 6.1.0.19 and later, which contain the necessary fixes for socket permission handling. Organizations should also implement comprehensive monitoring of socket creation and access patterns to detect any anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should review and validate the socket permissions configuration across all affected server instances, ensuring that proper access controls are maintained for Unix domain sockets. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-732, which addresses inadequate permissions for critical resources, and represents a potential entry point for attackers following the ATT&CK technique of privilege escalation through local exploitation. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their WebSphere Application Server environments to identify any other potential misconfigurations that could compound the security risk.