CVE-2011-1368 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
The JavaServer Faces (JSF) application functionality in IBM WebSphere Application Server 8.x before 8.0.0.1 does not properly handle requests, which allows remote attackers to read unspecified files via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1368 represents a critical security flaw within IBM WebSphere Application Server version 8.x prior to 8.0.0.1, specifically affecting the JavaServer Faces implementation. This vulnerability stems from inadequate request handling mechanisms that fail to properly validate and sanitize incoming requests to the JSF application functionality. The flaw enables remote attackers to exploit unspecified file reading capabilities through unknown vectors, potentially compromising sensitive data and system integrity. The vulnerability exists within the server-side processing logic where JSF components handle user input without sufficient validation controls, creating a pathway for unauthorized file access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw manifests when the JSF framework fails to properly validate user-supplied input parameters that are used to construct file paths or determine resource locations within the application server. Attackers can manipulate request parameters to traverse directory structures and access files that should remain restricted, potentially including configuration files, application data, or system resources. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple attack paths may exist, making the vulnerability particularly challenging to defend against and potentially more severe than typical path traversal flaws.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1368 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can provide attackers with access to sensitive system components and potentially enable further exploitation. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access application configuration files that may contain database connection strings, cryptographic keys, or other sensitive credentials. The attack surface is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where WebSphere Application Server typically hosts mission-critical applications with extensive data access. Organizations running affected versions may experience unauthorized data access, potential system compromise, and regulatory compliance violations if sensitive information is accessed through this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1368 should prioritize immediate patching of affected IBM WebSphere Application Server installations to version 8.0.0.1 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement network-level controls such as firewalls and access control lists to restrict access to the application server, particularly limiting exposure to untrusted networks. Input validation mechanisms should be strengthened at the application level to ensure that all user-supplied parameters are properly sanitized before being processed by JSF components. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns or attempts to traverse directory structures. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected applications and systems that may be running vulnerable versions of IBM WebSphere Application Server or similar frameworks that may exhibit similar security weaknesses. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques, as it allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially establish persistent access to sensitive system resources.