CVE-2012-2159 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
Open redirect vulnerability in IBM Eclipse Help System (IEHS), as used in IBM Security AppScan Source 7.x and 8.x before 8.6 and IBM SPSS Data Collection Developer Library 6.0 and 6.0.1, allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2159 represents a critical open redirect flaw within the IBM Eclipse Help System component that was widely deployed across multiple IBM security and data collection products. This vulnerability specifically affects IBM Security AppScan Source versions 7.x and 8.x prior to 8.6, as well as IBM SPSS Data Collection Developer Library versions 6.0 and 6.0.1. The open redirect vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of redirect URLs, allowing malicious actors to craft specially formatted links that would seamlessly redirect unsuspecting users from legitimate application interfaces to attacker-controlled websites. The flaw operates by failing to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied input that determines redirect destinations, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate application flow and user navigation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of URL redirection mechanisms within the Eclipse Help System framework, where user-provided parameters are directly used to construct redirect URLs without adequate sanitization checks. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-601, which specifically addresses URL redirect vulnerabilities and the potential for malicious redirection attacks. The flaw allows attackers to create deceptive phishing scenarios by redirecting users to malicious sites that appear legitimate, potentially capturing sensitive credentials or personal information. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where user input is processed without proper validation, creating an attack surface that can be leveraged for social engineering campaigns and credential theft operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing the affected IBM products, as it enables attackers to conduct sophisticated phishing campaigns that can bypass traditional security controls. The impact extends beyond simple redirection, as users who are unaware of the malicious redirection may inadvertently provide sensitive information to attackers who have crafted convincing fake login pages or information collection forms. This vulnerability particularly affects security professionals who rely on these tools, as it undermines the trust model between users and the applications they use. The attack vector typically involves sending malicious links through email or other communication channels, where users click on seemingly legitimate help or documentation links that redirect them to attacker-controlled domains. Organizations using these tools face potential data breaches, credential compromise, and reputational damage when this vulnerability is exploited.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2159 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems to the latest versions of IBM Security AppScan Source and SPSS Data Collection Developer Library that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement network-level controls to monitor and block suspicious redirect patterns, while also establishing user awareness training programs to help identify potentially malicious redirection attempts. The implementation of proper input validation and URL sanitization measures within the application code can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Security teams should also consider deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block open redirect attempts, and conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify other potential redirect vulnerabilities within their application ecosystems. Additionally, organizations should follow the ATT&CK framework's approach to mitigating web application vulnerabilities by implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include both technical controls and user education to reduce the risk of successful exploitation of such open redirect vulnerabilities.