CVE-2013-5414 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
The migration functionality in IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) 7.0 before 7.0.0.31, 8.0 before 8.0.0.8, and 8.5 before 8.5.5.1 does not properly support the distinction between the admin role and the adminsecmanager role, which allows remote authenticated users to gain privileges in opportunistic circumstances by accessing resources in between a migration and a role evaluation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5414 affects IBM WebSphere Application Server versions prior to specific patch levels, creating a critical privilege escalation risk through flawed role management during migration processes. This security flaw exists within the migration functionality of WebSphere Application Server, specifically impacting versions 7.0 before 7.0.0.31, 8.0 before 8.0.0.8, and 8.5 before 8.5.5.1. The core issue stems from improper handling of role distinctions between administrative roles, particularly the admin role and the adminsecmanager role, which creates opportunities for unauthorized privilege elevation.
The technical flaw manifests when the migration process fails to maintain proper role evaluation boundaries between different administrative contexts. During migration operations, the system does not adequately enforce the distinction between the admin role, which typically provides basic administrative privileges, and the adminsecmanager role, which encompasses more sensitive security management functions. This insufficient role separation creates a window where authenticated users can exploit timing conditions between migration completion and role evaluation, potentially accessing resources they should not be authorized to reach.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to gain access to sensitive administrative functions that could compromise entire application server environments. Remote authenticated users can exploit this weakness opportunistically, meaning the attack requires only valid credentials and knowledge of the timing window between migration and role evaluation. This creates a particularly dangerous scenario where legitimate users with minimal privileges can potentially elevate their access level to full administrative control, especially when the system is undergoing migration processes. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-5414 require immediate deployment of the vendor-provided security patches for each affected WebSphere Application Server version, as well as implementing additional administrative controls to minimize the window of opportunity for exploitation. Organizations should ensure that migration operations are properly coordinated with role evaluation processes and consider implementing additional monitoring for migration activities. The recommended approach includes applying the specific cumulative fixes provided by IBM for WebSphere Application Server 7.0.0.31, 8.0.0.8, and 8.5.5.1, while also establishing stricter controls around administrative access during system maintenance periods. Additionally, organizations should review their current role assignments and ensure proper separation of duties between administrative functions to reduce the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities in the future.