CVE-2011-0496 in WorkSpace
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Sybase EAServer 5.x and 6.x before 6.3 ESD#2, as used in Appeon, Replication Server Messaging Edition (RSME), and WorkSpace, allows remote attackers to install arbitrary web services and execute arbitrary code, related to a "design vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0496 represents a critical design flaw within Sybase EAServer versions 5.x and 6.x prior to 6.3 ESD#2 that affects multiple enterprise applications including Appeon, Replication Server Messaging Edition, and WorkSpace. This unspecified vulnerability stems from fundamental architectural weaknesses in the server's web service deployment mechanisms, creating a pathway for remote attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized system access. The flaw specifically manifests in how the server handles web service installations, allowing malicious actors to bypass normal security controls and deploy malicious components directly onto the target system. Such design vulnerabilities fall under CWE-254 which encompasses security weaknesses that result from inadequate security design principles, particularly focusing on insufficient access control mechanisms and improper privilege management. The attack vector leverages remote exploitation capabilities that align with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services and T1059 for executing arbitrary code through compromised service endpoints.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the server's trust model and deployment mechanisms, where legitimate web service installations are not properly validated against malicious content. Attackers can leverage this weakness to upload and execute arbitrary web services that operate with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system control, as the compromised server can be used to establish persistent access, exfiltrate sensitive data, or serve as a launchpad for further attacks within the network infrastructure. This design flaw particularly affects enterprise environments where EAServer serves as a critical middleware component, making the potential impact substantial for organizations relying on these applications for business-critical operations.
Organizations affected by CVE-2011-0496 face significant operational risks including potential data breaches, system compromise, and disruption of business services. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can target these systems from outside the network perimeter, eliminating the need for physical access or insider knowledge. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple product lines including Appeon, RSME, and WorkSpace amplifies the attack surface and increases the difficulty of comprehensive remediation efforts. Security teams must implement immediate mitigation strategies including patching to version 6.3 ESD#2 or later, network segmentation to limit exposure, and enhanced monitoring of web service deployment activities. The vulnerability's classification as a design flaw necessitates architectural review and potential re-engineering of deployment mechanisms to prevent similar issues in future implementations. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious web service deployment patterns and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing remote code execution vulnerabilities in middleware environments.