CVE-2011-1359 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the administration console in IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) 6.1 before 6.1.0.41, 7.0 before 7.0.0.19, and 8.0 before 8.0.0.1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2021
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1359 represents a critical security flaw in IBM WebSphere Application Server administration consoles across multiple versions. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the web server's URI processing mechanism, specifically affecting the administrative interfaces of WebSphere Application Server versions 6.1 prior to 6.1.0.41, 7.0 prior to 7.0.0.19, and 8.0 prior to 8.0.0.1. The flaw enables malicious actors to manipulate URI requests by incorporating directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, thereby bypassing normal access controls and gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the application layer where the WebSphere administration console fails to properly sanitize and validate URI parameters before processing file access requests. When a malicious user submits a URI containing directory traversal sequences such as ../../etc/passwd or ../../../windows/system32/drivers/etc/hosts, the application processes these requests without adequate validation, allowing the attacker to navigate through the file system hierarchy and access files outside the intended directory boundaries. This represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that maps to CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access critical system files including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and system binaries. An attacker could potentially extract sensitive information such as database connection strings, cryptographic keys, user credentials, and application logic that could be used for further exploitation or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access or authentication to exploit this flaw, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where WebSphere servers are exposed to untrusted networks. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) as attackers can systematically enumerate and extract valuable data from the compromised system.
Organizations running affected WebSphere versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to business-critical applications and data, potentially leading to financial loss, reputation damage, and legal consequences. IBM has addressed this vulnerability through targeted security patches and updates for the affected versions, emphasizing the importance of timely patch management and security maintenance. The remediation process requires organizations to upgrade their WebSphere Application Server installations to the patched versions or implement compensating controls such as web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms to mitigate the risk until full patching can be achieved. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs and implementing proper access controls in web applications, particularly in administrative interfaces that handle sensitive system operations and data access.