CVE-2012-2206 in WebSphere MQ
Summary
by MITRE
The Web Gateway component in IBM WebSphere MQ File Transfer Edition 7.0.4 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to read files of arbitrary users via vectors involving a username in a URI, as demonstrated by a modified metadata=fteSamplesUser field to the /transfer URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2206 affects IBM WebSphere MQ File Transfer Edition version 7.0.4 and earlier, specifically within its Web Gateway component. This represents a critical authorization bypass flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to access files belonging to other users through manipulated URI parameters. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access control mechanisms within the file transfer functionality, creating a path for privilege escalation and unauthorized data access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves manipulation of the metadata parameter within the transfer URI, specifically targeting the metadata=fteSamplesUser field. When an authenticated user crafts a malicious URI with modified username values, the Web Gateway component fails to properly validate the user context and authorization levels. This allows the attacker to traverse file system boundaries and access files that should be restricted to specific user accounts. The flaw operates at the application layer and leverages the inherent trust relationships within the file transfer process, where legitimate user credentials are insufficient to prevent cross-user file access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it enables comprehensive unauthorized access to potentially sensitive information across multiple user accounts. Attackers can systematically enumerate and access files belonging to other users within the same system, potentially compromising business data, personal information, or proprietary files. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and mandatory access control, as it allows users to bypass normal access restrictions that should prevent cross-user file access. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where WebSphere MQ File Transfer Edition handles confidential business data and regulatory compliance requirements.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2206 should focus on immediate patch application to the affected IBM WebSphere MQ File Transfer Edition versions, as well as implementing additional access control measures. Organizations should consider disabling unnecessary file transfer functionality, implementing strict URI parameter validation, and establishing comprehensive monitoring for suspicious URI access patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285 (Improper Authorization) and represents a classic example of insufficient access control validation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers may exploit legitimate credentials to access unauthorized data, while also demonstrating T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) through systematic enumeration of accessible files. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected Web Gateway component and establish audit trails for all file transfer operations to detect potential exploitation attempts.