CVE-2010-1650 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) 6.0.x before 6.0.2.41, 6.1.x before 6.1.0.31, and 7.0.x before 7.0.0.11, when the -trace option (aka debugging mode) is enabled, executes debugging statements that print string representations of unspecified objects, which allows attackers to obtain sensitive information by reading the trace output.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2021
IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 6.0.x prior to 6.0.2.41, 6.1.x prior to 6.1.0.31, and 7.0.x prior to 7.0.0.11 contain a vulnerability in their debugging functionality that exposes sensitive information through trace output mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically affects systems where the -trace option or debugging mode is enabled, creating a path for attackers to extract confidential data from the application server's operational logs. The flaw stems from the server's handling of debugging statements that print string representations of unspecified objects, which inadvertently reveals sensitive information such as authentication credentials, database connection details, or internal application state data.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes information exposure through improper error handling or debugging output. When debugging mode is active, the application server processes debugging statements that serialize and display object contents to trace files, but these serialized representations often contain sensitive data elements. Attackers can exploit this by accessing the trace output files directly, either through file system access or by leveraging other attack vectors that allow them to read the trace logs. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure logging practices where sensitive information is written to persistent storage without proper sanitization or access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with a straightforward method to obtain sensitive information that could be used for further attacks. The exposure of authentication tokens, session identifiers, database connection strings, or other confidential data could lead to complete system compromise. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as attackers only need access to the trace output files rather than administrative credentials or complex attack vectors. The vulnerability exists in multiple versions of the IBM WebSphere Application Server, making it widespread across various enterprise environments that have not yet applied the necessary patches.
Mitigation strategies should focus on disabling debugging mode in production environments, implementing proper access controls on trace output files, and ensuring that sensitive information is never logged in plain text format. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor patches released for versions 6.0.2.41, 6.1.0.31, and 7.0.0.11 to address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper log management practices including log file permissions, regular log rotation, and sensitive data sanitization before logging can significantly reduce the risk. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access through file system access and information gathering through log analysis. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized access attempts to trace files and log directories, as this vulnerability represents a common attack vector for initial reconnaissance and privilege escalation in enterprise environments.