CVE-2011-4889 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
The javax.naming.directory.AttributeInUseException class in the Virtual Member Manager in IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) 6.1 before 6.1.0.43, 7.0 before 7.0.0.21, and 8.0 before 8.0.0.2 does not properly update passwords on a configuration using Tivoli Directory Server, which might allow remote attackers to gain access to an application by leveraging knowledge of an old password. IBM X-Force ID: 72581.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4889 resides within the javax.naming.directory.AttributeInUseException class implementation in IBM WebSphere Application Server's Virtual Member Manager component. This flaw specifically affects WebSphere Application Server versions 6.1 prior to 6.1.0.43, 7.0 prior to 7.0.0.21, and 8.0 prior to 8.0.0.2, creating a critical security gap in authentication and authorization mechanisms. The issue manifests when the system attempts to update passwords within a configuration that utilizes Tivoli Directory Server as the underlying directory service, fundamentally undermining the integrity of credential management processes.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of password update operations within the Virtual Member Manager's attribute management framework. When password changes are attempted through the affected WebSphere versions, the system fails to correctly process the update sequence in the Tivoli Directory Server environment, resulting in a scenario where old password credentials remain active while new ones are not properly established. This creates a window of opportunity where attackers who possess knowledge of previous password values can exploit the incomplete update process to maintain unauthorized access to applications protected by the vulnerable WebSphere configuration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential compromise, creating a significant risk for enterprise environments relying on WebSphere Application Server for critical business applications. Attackers exploiting this weakness can leverage their knowledge of old passwords to gain continued access to protected applications, potentially leading to data breaches, privilege escalation, and unauthorized system modifications. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations using Tivoli Directory Server integration, where the authentication and authorization processes are tightly coupled with the directory service's attribute management capabilities. This issue represents a failure in the principle of least privilege and undermines the fundamental security assumptions of password-based authentication systems.
Organizations affected by CVE-2011-4889 should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of IBM's official security patches and updates for the affected WebSphere Application Server versions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in authentication systems, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential stuffing attacks. Security teams should implement additional monitoring for unusual authentication patterns and password change activities within their WebSphere environments. The fix requires updating to the specified patched versions of WebSphere Application Server, which address the underlying attribute management flaw in the Virtual Member Manager component. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure while applying patches, as this vulnerability could enable lateral movement within affected networks where WebSphere applications are deployed.