CVE-2010-0777 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
The Web Container in IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) 6.0 before 6.0.2.43, 6.1 before 6.1.0.31, and 7.0 before 7.0.0.11 does not properly handle long filenames and consequently sends an incorrect file in some responses, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by reading the retrieved file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0777 resides within the Web Container component of IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 6.0 prior to 6.0.2.43, 6.1 prior to 6.1.0.31, and 7.0 prior to 7.0.0.11. This issue represents a critical security flaw that stems from improper handling of file path manipulation within the application server's web container functionality. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system encounters long filenames that exceed normal processing limits, leading to incorrect file retrieval behavior during HTTP responses. From a cybersecurity perspective, this represents a path traversal vulnerability that falls under the CWE-22 category for Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, and more specifically aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element which is often exploited in web application attacks. The flaw creates a condition where the web container fails to properly validate or sanitize file paths, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the filename processing logic to access unintended resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the web container level where file path resolution logic becomes compromised when processing filenames that exceed predetermined length thresholds. When a request is made with an overly long filename, the system's internal file handling mechanism fails to properly terminate or validate the path components, resulting in the retrieval of unintended files from the filesystem. This improper handling creates a situation where attackers can construct malicious requests that cause the server to return sensitive information from files that should remain inaccessible. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the core web container level, meaning it can potentially access any file that the application server process has read permissions for, including configuration files, source code, and potentially database connection details. The attack vector is remote and requires no authentication, making it highly exploitable in environments where the web application server is accessible over the network.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-0777 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other vulnerabilities or when attackers can access sensitive configuration files. In a typical enterprise environment, this vulnerability could allow attackers to extract database connection strings, application passwords, cryptographic keys, and other sensitive data that would normally be protected by proper access controls. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in unauthorized access to backend systems, data exfiltration, and potentially full system compromise depending on the permissions of the web application server process. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1213 (Data from Information Repositories) as it enables the discovery and extraction of sensitive information from the filesystem. The impact is particularly severe in environments where WebSphere Application Server handles sensitive business applications or contains personally identifiable information, as the vulnerability could lead to regulatory compliance violations and significant financial losses.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through official IBM security patches and updates for their WebSphere Application Server installations. The recommended mitigation strategy includes applying the specific cumulative fix packages provided by IBM for each affected version, ensuring that all systems are updated to patched versions that properly handle long filename scenarios. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of the affected web servers to untrusted networks, while monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any additional systems that might be running vulnerable versions of IBM WebSphere Application Server, as well as review application logs for evidence of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and path handling in web applications, and organizations should implement robust security testing practices including static code analysis and dynamic application security testing to prevent similar issues in future software development cycles.