CVE-2009-2087 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
The Web Services functionality in IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) 6.1 before 6.1.0.25 and 7.0 before 7.0.0.5, in certain circumstances involving the ibm-webservicesclient-bind.xmi file and custom password encryption, uses weak password obfuscation, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (deployment failure) via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2087 affects IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 6.1 before 6.1.0.25 and 7.0 before 7.0.0.5, specifically within the Web Services functionality. This issue stems from inadequate password obfuscation mechanisms that are employed during the deployment process, particularly when handling the ibm-webservicesclient-bind.xmi configuration file. The weakness lies in how the system manages password encryption for web services client bindings, creating a scenario where local attackers can exploit this flaw to disrupt service deployment operations.
The technical flaw manifests through the use of weak password obfuscation techniques that fail to provide adequate protection for sensitive authentication credentials stored within the web services configuration files. When the ibm-webservicesclient-bind.xmi file is processed during deployment, the system's password encryption methods prove insufficiently robust, allowing unauthorized local users to manipulate or interfere with the deployment process. This vulnerability operates under specific circumstances that involve custom password encryption implementations, making it particularly challenging to detect and mitigate through standard security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can lead to complete deployment failures that compromise the availability and reliability of web services within the application server environment. Local users who can access the system with minimal privileges can leverage this weakness to cause denial of service conditions that prevent legitimate deployments from completing successfully. This creates cascading effects that can impact business continuity and application availability, particularly in mission-critical environments where web services are essential for core operations.
Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability effectively. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to the patched versions of IBM WebSphere Application Server, specifically 6.1.0.25 and 7.0.0.5, which contain the necessary fixes for the password obfuscation weakness. Additionally, organizations should review and strengthen their access controls to limit local user privileges, implement proper file permissions on configuration files, and establish monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weakness, and represents a potential entry point for attackers seeking to disrupt service availability through denial of service attacks.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of proper credential handling within application server environments. The weakness demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in security mechanisms can create significant operational risks. Organizations should conduct thorough assessments of their web services configurations, particularly focusing on password management practices and encryption methodologies. Regular security audits should include verification of encryption strength and proper implementation of obfuscation techniques, as this vulnerability serves as a reminder of the potential for local privilege escalation through improper credential handling. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this issue under privilege escalation and denial of service tactics, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls that address both internal and external threat vectors in enterprise application environments.