CVE-2011-1378 in WebSphere MQ
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere MQ 6.0 on OpenVMS, when the default rights of the MQM group are established, does not properly verify User Authorization File (UAF) data, which allows local users to kill listener processes and the command server via a control command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1378 represents a critical authorization flaw within IBM WebSphere MQ version 6.0 running on OpenVMS operating systems. This issue stems from improper validation of User Authorization File (UAF) data during the initialization of default group rights for the MQM (Message Queuing Manager) group. The flaw exists in the privilege management mechanisms that govern how system resources are accessed and controlled within the messaging infrastructure. When the system establishes default rights for the MQM group, it fails to adequately validate the integrity and authenticity of UAF entries, creating a pathway for unauthorized privilege escalation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability allows local attackers with minimal privileges to execute control commands that can terminate critical listener processes and the command server within the WebSphere MQ environment. This represents a significant security weakness because the command server serves as the primary interface for administrative operations and process management within the messaging system. The ability to kill these essential components effectively disrupts the messaging service and can lead to complete service denial. The vulnerability specifically leverages the insufficient verification of UAF data to bypass normal authorization checks, enabling attackers to issue kill commands against processes that should only be accessible to authorized administrators.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations relying on IBM WebSphere MQ for mission-critical messaging services. The local privilege escalation capability means that any user with access to the system can potentially compromise the entire messaging infrastructure by terminating essential processes. This can result in immediate service disruption, data loss, and potential exposure of sensitive information flowing through the messaging system. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only local access, making it accessible to users who may not have direct administrative privileges but can still cause significant operational damage. The vulnerability undermines the fundamental security model of the system by allowing unauthorized process termination that should be restricted to privileged users.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of IBM WebSphere MQ, applying the relevant security patches provided by IBM, and implementing additional access controls to limit local user privileges. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and process injection methods, as attackers can manipulate system processes through unauthorized control commands. Additional defensive measures should include monitoring for unauthorized process termination events, implementing stricter UAF validation mechanisms, and conducting regular security assessments of messaging infrastructure components. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and access control lists to limit potential attack surfaces and prevent lateral movement within the system.