CVE-2011-1355 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
Open redirect vulnerability in IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) 6.1 before 6.1.0.39 and 7.0 before 7.0.0.19 allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via the logoutExitPage parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1355 represents a critical open redirect flaw within IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 6.1 prior to 6.1.0.39 and 7.0 prior to 7.0.0.19. This security weakness enables remote attackers to manipulate the logoutExitPage parameter, creating a pathway for malicious redirection that can be exploited to deceive users into visiting fraudulent websites. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters within the server's logout functionality, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary URLs that will be processed and executed during the logout sequence.
From a technical perspective, the flaw manifests when the application server processes the logoutExitPage parameter without proper validation of the target URL. This parameter is intended to specify where users should be redirected after logging out of the application, but the lack of input sanitization means that attackers can inject malicious URLs that will be executed as legitimate redirects. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests containing crafted parameters, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no privileged access or complex attack vectors. The flaw aligns with CWE-601, which specifically addresses open redirect vulnerabilities where applications redirect users to unvalidated external URLs, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for phishing via email and T1566.002 for phishing via social media, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to create convincing phishing campaigns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple redirection, as it creates a significant attack surface for credential theft and social engineering campaigns. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that appear legitimate but redirect users to phishing sites designed to capture login credentials, personal information, or financial data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where WebSphere Application Server is commonly deployed, as it can compromise user sessions and potentially lead to broader system infiltration. Organizations using affected versions may experience unauthorized access to sensitive applications, data breaches, and reputational damage from successful phishing attacks. The open redirect mechanism also enables attackers to bypass certain security controls that might otherwise prevent direct access to malicious sites, making it a versatile tool for various cyberattack scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1355 should prioritize immediate patching of affected IBM WebSphere Application Server versions to the recommended security fixes. Organizations must implement proper input validation and sanitization measures for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in redirect functionality. The implementation of a whitelist approach for redirect URLs, where only pre-approved domains are permitted, provides an effective defense mechanism. Security teams should also consider deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious redirect patterns, along with network monitoring solutions that can identify anomalous traffic patterns associated with redirection attacks. Additionally, user education programs should be implemented to raise awareness about phishing attempts and suspicious redirects, while regular security audits should verify that all redirect parameters are properly validated. Organizations should also review their access controls and authentication mechanisms to ensure that any compromised sessions can be quickly detected and terminated. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of input validation and the potential consequences of insufficient security controls in enterprise application servers, particularly when dealing with user-facing redirect functionality that can be exploited for malicious purposes.