CVE-2009-2091 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
The System Management/Repository component in IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) 7.0 before 7.0.0.5 on z/OS uses weak file permissions for new applications, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2091 affects IBM WebSphere Application Server version 7.0 prior to 7.0.0.5 running on the z/OS operating system platform. This issue resides within the System Management/Repository component of the application server, which is responsible for managing application deployments and system configurations. The weakness stems from the improper implementation of file permission controls during the application deployment process, creating a security gap that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically impacts the security posture of enterprise applications deployed on IBM z/OS systems, where WebSphere Application Server serves as a critical middleware platform for business applications.
The technical flaw manifests through the use of weak file permissions when new applications are deployed to the WebSphere Application Server environment. During the application installation process, the system fails to properly enforce secure permission settings on newly created files and directories, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive application components and configuration data. This weakness enables attackers to gain access to application binaries, configuration files, and potentially system credentials that should remain protected. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple attack paths may exist, including potential privilege escalation opportunities or information disclosure through various application interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates opportunities for more sophisticated attacks within the enterprise environment. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this weakness could potentially access application source code, database connection strings, encryption keys, and other sensitive data stored within the application deployment directories. The z/OS platform environment adds additional complexity to the threat landscape, as these systems often handle critical business applications and financial data that require strict security controls. This vulnerability undermines the integrity of the application deployment process and could lead to unauthorized access to business-critical systems, potentially resulting in data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations that affect organizations relying on IBM WebSphere for their middleware infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to IBM WebSphere Application Server 7.0.0.5 or later versions where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper file permission controls. System administrators should also conduct thorough audits of existing application deployments to identify any improperly secured files and implement appropriate permission settings. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-732, which describes improper permission assignment for critical resources, and could potentially map to ATT&CK technique T1005 for data from local system, or T1078 for valid accounts, depending on how attackers leverage the information disclosure. Regular security monitoring and access control reviews should be implemented to prevent unauthorized access to application deployment directories and ensure that proper file permissions are maintained throughout the application lifecycle.