CVE-2010-2326 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) 7.0 before 7.0.0.11, when addNode -trace is used during node federation, allows attackers to obtain sensitive information about CIMMetadataCollectorImpl trace actions by reading the addNode.log file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2326 affects IBM WebSphere Application Server version 7.0 prior to 7.0.0.11 and represents a sensitive data exposure issue that arises during the node federation process. This flaw specifically manifests when the addNode command is executed with the -trace option, which enables detailed logging of the federation operations. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of trace information within the logging mechanism, creating an information disclosure channel that can be exploited by unauthorized actors.
The technical flaw resides in the trace logging functionality of the CIMMetadataCollectorImpl component within the WebSphere Application Server. When node federation occurs with trace enabled, the system generates verbose logging information that includes internal operational details about the federation process. This trace data is written to the addNode.log file without adequate sanitization or access controls, allowing attackers to read sensitive information about the trace actions performed by the CIMMetadataCollectorImpl. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which deals with information exposure, and represents a classic case of insufficient logging controls that reveal internal system operations to unauthorized parties.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked trace information can provide attackers with valuable insights into the internal workings of the WebSphere Application Server. The CIMMetadataCollectorImpl trace actions contain details about the federation process, including potential system configurations, component interactions, and operational patterns that could be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. This information exposure creates a reconnaissance opportunity for threat actors who might use the collected data to plan targeted attacks against the WebSphere environment, potentially leading to privilege escalation or further system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers discovery of system information, and T1566, which involves credential access through social engineering or information gathering.
Organizations utilizing IBM WebSphere Application Server 7.0 should prioritize applying the vendor-provided fix to address this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation involves upgrading to WebSphere Application Server 7.0.0.11 or later versions where the trace logging mechanism has been properly secured. Additionally, administrators should implement proper access controls on the addNode.log file and other sensitive log files to ensure that only authorized personnel can access trace information. Security monitoring should include checks for unusual access patterns to trace log files, and the trace functionality should be disabled in production environments unless specifically required for troubleshooting purposes. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure logging practices and proper access controls for system diagnostic information, particularly in enterprise application servers where detailed operational data can expose significant attack surface information.