CVE-2010-2323 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) 7.0 before 7.0.0.11 on z/OS might allow attackers to obtain sensitive information by reading the default_create.log file that is associated with profile creation by the BBOWWPFx job and the zPMT.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2018
IBM WebSphere Application Server version 7.0 before 7.0.0.11 on z/OS systems contains a sensitive data exposure vulnerability that arises from improper file permissions and logging practices. This vulnerability specifically affects the default_create.log file which is generated during profile creation processes executed by the BBOWWPFx job and the zPMT subsystem. The flaw represents a classic information disclosure weakness that can be exploited by unauthorized users to gain access to sensitive system information that should remain protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the default configuration of the WebSphere Application Server on z/OS platforms where the default_create.log file is created with insufficient access controls. This log file contains detailed information about the profile creation process including potentially sensitive system parameters, configuration details, and operational data that could be leveraged by attackers to understand the underlying system architecture and potentially identify additional attack vectors. The issue manifests when the log file is created with world-readable permissions or when the file is not properly secured within the z/OS environment.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for organizations running IBM WebSphere Application Server on z/OS systems. Attackers who can access this log file may obtain information that could be used for privilege escalation attacks, system reconnaissance, or to develop more sophisticated exploitation techniques against the application server. The exposure of profile creation details could reveal internal system configurations, user account information, or other sensitive operational data that would normally be protected within a secure enterprise environment. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad and could potentially lead to more severe compromise scenarios.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes improper exposure of sensitive information, and represents a specific instance of information disclosure through insecure file handling. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this weakness maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1552 (Unsecured Credentials) as attackers could use the exposed information to discover system files and potentially extract credential information. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including proper file permission configuration, log file access control enforcement, and regular security auditing of sensitive system files. The most effective remediation involves applying the official IBM security patch version 7.0.0.11 or later, which addresses the improper file access controls and ensures that sensitive log files are properly secured within the z/OS environment. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive reviews of all log file permissions and implement automated monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive system files.