CVE-2011-1310 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
The Administrative Scripting Tools component in IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) 6.1.0.x before 6.1.0.35 and 7.x before 7.0.0.15, when tracing is enabled, places wsadmin command parameters into the (1) wsadmin.traceout and (2) trace.log files, which allows local users to obtain potentially sensitive information by reading these files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1310 resides within IBM WebSphere Application Server's Administrative Scripting Tools component, specifically affecting versions 6.1.0.x prior to 6.1.0.35 and 7.x prior to 7.0.0.15. This security flaw represents a critical information disclosure issue that arises from improper handling of command parameters within trace logging mechanisms. The vulnerability occurs when tracing functionality is enabled, creating a scenario where sensitive operational data becomes inadvertently exposed through log file contents.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the Administrative Scripting Tools' design flaw where wsadmin command parameters are directly written to trace output files without adequate sanitization or obfuscation. When tracing is enabled, the system automatically logs command execution details to both wsadmin.traceout and trace.log files, which contain not only operational traces but also the raw parameters passed to wsadmin commands. This design oversight creates a situation where local users with access to these log files can extract potentially sensitive information including command arguments, configuration parameters, and other operational details that should remain protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with valuable insights into the target system's administrative operations and potentially exposes credentials, system configurations, or other sensitive data that may be passed as command parameters. Local users who gain access to these trace files can exploit the information to understand system architecture, identify potential attack vectors, and possibly escalate privileges or conduct further reconnaissance activities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the administrative tooling that is fundamental to system management, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise system integrity.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and represents a classic example of insecure logging practices where sensitive data is inadvertently exposed through system logging mechanisms. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1005, "Data from Local System," as it enables local adversaries to extract sensitive information from system files. Organizations using affected WebSphere versions face significant risk when trace logging is enabled, as the exposure of administrative command parameters can reveal operational patterns and potentially sensitive configuration details that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and output sanitization in administrative tools, particularly those handling sensitive operational commands.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate patching to versions 6.1.0.35 and 7.0.0.15 or later, which contain the necessary fixes to prevent command parameters from being logged in trace files. Organizations should also implement strict access controls to trace log files, ensuring that only authorized administrative personnel can access these sensitive resources. Additionally, disabling trace logging in production environments or implementing proper log sanitization mechanisms can help reduce the attack surface. Security configurations should be reviewed to ensure that trace functionality is not enabled unnecessarily, and regular audits should be conducted to verify that sensitive information is not being inadvertently exposed through logging mechanisms.