CVE-2009-1173 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) 7.0 before 7.0.0.3 uses weak permissions (777) for files associated with unspecified "interim fixes," which allows attackers to modify files that would not have been accessible if the intended 755 permissions were used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1173 affects IBM WebSphere Application Server version 7.0 prior to 7.0.0.3 and represents a critical permission misconfiguration issue that fundamentally undermines the security posture of the application server. This weakness specifically manifests in the handling of interim fixes, which are temporary patches or updates provided by IBM to address specific issues before official service releases. The flaw stems from the improper assignment of file permissions, where files associated with these interim fixes are configured with overly permissive 777 permissions instead of the more secure 755 permissions that should be applied to system files. The 777 permission setting grants read, write, and execute access to all users on the system, creating an unprecedented attack surface that violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and access control.
The technical implications of this vulnerability are significant as it provides attackers with unrestricted access to critical system components that should remain protected from unauthorized modification. When interim fixes are deployed, they typically contain code updates, configuration changes, or security patches that are essential for maintaining the integrity and security of the application server environment. With 777 permissions applied, any local user or attacker who can access the system can modify these files, potentially leading to privilege escalation, code injection, or complete compromise of the application server. This misconfiguration directly violates the principle of least privilege and creates opportunities for attackers to subvert the intended security controls of the software. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resources, which specifically addresses cases where critical system resources are given permissions that are too permissive.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the application server's security framework. Attackers could potentially modify the interim fix files to inject malicious code, alter security configurations, or create backdoors that persist across system restarts. This capability significantly increases the attack surface and provides multiple vectors for exploitation, including local privilege escalation attacks and persistent malware deployment. The vulnerability also affects the overall trust model of the application server, as it undermines the integrity of the patch management process that is critical for maintaining security. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a low-effort, high-impact opportunity that requires minimal technical expertise to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have access to the system.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement remediation measures including updating to IBM WebSphere Application Server 7.0.0.3 or later versions where the proper permission settings have been implemented. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of file permissions across all interim fix installations to identify and correct any remaining 777 permission settings. The recommended mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, which emphasizes the importance of proper access controls and permission management in preventing unauthorized system modifications. Additionally, organizations should implement automated permission monitoring tools to prevent similar misconfigurations in the future, ensuring that critical system files maintain appropriate 755 permissions that allow only the owner to modify files while permitting read and execute access to all users. This vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper file permission management in enterprise security infrastructure and demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration errors can have catastrophic security implications.