CVE-2011-5065 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) 6.1 before 6.1.0.41 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors related to web messaging.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5065 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within IBM WebSphere Application Server version 6.1 prior to 6.1.0.41. This security weakness specifically affects the web messaging functionality of the application server, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious code within the context of victim sessions. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web messaging components, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary HTML and JavaScript code through carefully crafted malicious payloads. The affected system processes user-supplied data without proper sanitization, creating an environment where malicious scripts can be executed when legitimate users view the compromised content.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates through the exploitation of improper validation controls in the web messaging subsystem of IBM WebSphere Application Server. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly encode or sanitize user input before rendering it within web pages, particularly in messaging contexts where user-generated content is displayed. Attackers can leverage this weakness by submitting malicious scripts through web messaging interfaces, which are then executed in the browsers of other users who access the affected content. The vulnerability is classified as a persistent XSS attack vector, as the malicious code can be stored and subsequently delivered to multiple users without requiring additional interaction from the target.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive information, manipulate application data, and potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that IBM WebSphere Application Server serves as a foundational platform for numerous enterprise applications, meaning a successful exploitation could compromise multiple business-critical systems. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform session hijacking, redirect users to malicious sites, deface web applications, or extract sensitive cookies and authentication tokens from user browsers. The vulnerability's persistence in the messaging system also means that the malicious code could be executed across multiple user sessions and applications that utilize the affected WebSphere instance.
Organizations utilizing IBM WebSphere Application Server 6.1 versions prior to 6.1.0.41 should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of the official IBM security patch. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting weaknesses in web applications, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving client-side code execution and session management compromise. Additional mitigations include implementing proper input validation at multiple layers, deploying web application firewalls, utilizing content security policies, and conducting regular security assessments of web messaging components. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious messaging traffic patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing comprehensive security controls in enterprise application platforms.