CVE-2011-1683 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) 6.0.x through 6.0.2.43, 6.1.x before 6.1.0.37, and 7.0.x before 7.0.0.17 on z/OS, when a Local OS user registry or Federated Repository with RACF adapter is used, allows remote attackers to obtain unspecified application access via unknown vectors.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2021
IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 6.0.x through 6.0.2.43, 6.1.x before 6.1.0.37, and 7.0.x before 7.0.0.17 running on z/OS operating systems contain a security vulnerability that affects authentication mechanisms when utilizing Local OS user registries or Federated Repository configurations with RACF adapters. This vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of authentication requests and potentially flawed credential handling within the application server's security framework, creating an avenue for remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to applications hosted on the server. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors indicates that the vulnerability may manifest through multiple pathways including but not limited to improper session management, weak authentication token validation, or flawed integration points between the application server and the underlying z/OS security infrastructure. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft as the vulnerability allows attackers to obtain unspecified application access, potentially enabling them to execute arbitrary code, access sensitive data, or perform administrative functions within the target applications. This weakness is categorized under CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically related to improper access control mechanisms within enterprise application servers. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as it exploits legitimate authentication mechanisms to gain unauthorized access to application resources. The z/OS environment presents additional complexity due to the integration with RACF (Resource Access Control Facility) security services, which may create potential points of failure in the authentication chain. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges from standard user accounts to administrative access within the application server environment, potentially compromising the entire application stack. The root cause likely involves inadequate input validation of authentication requests and insufficient security controls during the authentication process, particularly when the application server interfaces with z/OS security services through the RACF adapter. Organizations using affected IBM WebSphere Application Server versions on z/OS systems face significant risk exposure, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring prior authentication credentials. The vulnerability affects both the Local OS user registry configuration and the Federated Repository implementation with RACF adapter, indicating a fundamental flaw in how the application server handles authentication across different security backends. System administrators should immediately assess their current IBM WebSphere Application Server deployments to identify affected versions and implement appropriate mitigations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper access control implementation in enterprise application servers and highlights the risks associated with complex security integrations between application servers and mainframe security frameworks. Organizations should prioritize updating to patched versions of IBM WebSphere Application Server and review their authentication configurations to ensure proper security controls are in place. The vulnerability also underscores the need for continuous security assessment of integrated systems, particularly in mainframe environments where security controls may have complex interdependencies between different security layers. Proper configuration management and regular security audits become essential practices for maintaining secure application server environments. The potential for remote exploitation without authentication credentials makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where network exposure is high and proper network segmentation is not implemented.