CVE-2013-0540 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) Liberty Profile 8.5 before 8.5.0.2, when SSL is not enabled, does not properly validate authentication cookies, which allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions via an HTTP session.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0540 affects IBM WebSphere Application Server Liberty Profile version 8.5 prior to 8.5.0.2 when SSL is not enabled in the server configuration. This represents a significant security flaw that undermines the authentication mechanisms of the application server, creating a path for unauthorized access to protected resources. The vulnerability specifically targets the authentication cookie validation process, which is fundamental to maintaining user session integrity and access control within web applications. When SSL is disabled, the security controls that typically protect session data become insufficient, leaving the system exposed to exploitation.
The technical flaw stems from improper validation of authentication cookies within the Liberty Profile implementation. Authentication cookies are critical components that maintain user sessions and verify identities across HTTP requests. In this case, the server fails to adequately validate these cookies, allowing authenticated users to manipulate session tokens in ways that bypass intended access controls. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the session management level, where the server's ability to distinguish between legitimate and unauthorized users becomes compromised. This misconfiguration creates a condition where attackers can exploit the weakened authentication validation to gain access to resources they should not be permitted to access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of applications deployed on the affected server. Remote authenticated users who can leverage this flaw can bypass access restrictions that are typically enforced by the application server's security mechanisms. This creates a scenario where legitimate users who have authenticated to the system can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to protected resources, potentially leading to data breaches, privilege escalation, and unauthorized system manipulation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where sensitive data is processed or where applications require strict access controls to maintain compliance with security standards.
The weakness manifests as a failure in the authentication cookie validation process, which aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues. This vulnerability also relates to the broader category of session management flaws that are commonly exploited in web application attacks, potentially mapping to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and unauthorized access. Organizations deploying IBM WebSphere Liberty Profile without proper SSL configuration face significant risk, as this vulnerability can be exploited without requiring special privileges beyond basic authentication. The impact is amplified in environments where multiple applications share the same server instance, as exploitation of this vulnerability could potentially compromise access to various applications and resources within the same deployment environment.
Mitigation strategies should focus on enabling SSL/TLS encryption for all communications with the application server, which would address the underlying conditions that make this vulnerability exploitable. Organizations should also implement proper session management controls, including secure cookie attributes, session timeout mechanisms, and regular security assessments of their application server configurations. Additionally, the recommended approach includes upgrading to IBM WebSphere Application Server Liberty Profile version 8.5.0.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the authentication cookie validation issue. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous session behavior and unauthorized access attempts, while access controls should be reviewed and strengthened to minimize the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper cryptographic configuration and session management in maintaining application security.