CVE-2013-6728 in WebSphere Dashboard Framework
Summary
by MITRE
The charting component in IBM WebSphere Dashboard Framework (WDF) 6.1.5 and 7.0.1 allows remote attackers to view or delete image files by leveraging incorrect security constraints for a temporary directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6728 resides within IBM WebSphere Dashboard Framework WDF version 6.1.5 and 7.0.1, specifically affecting the charting component that handles image file operations. This flaw represents a critical security oversight in the framework's temporary directory access controls, creating a pathway for unauthorized remote attackers to exploit the system's file management mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from improper security constraints that govern access to temporary storage areas where charting components generate and store image files during dashboard operations. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute unauthorized file operations including both viewing sensitive image data and deleting critical charting resources, potentially disrupting dashboard functionality and exposing confidential information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of temporary directory access permissions within the WebSphere Dashboard Framework environment. The charting component creates temporary image files in a directory that lacks proper access controls, allowing remote adversaries to traverse file system boundaries and access or delete files that should remain protected. This issue manifests as a privilege escalation vulnerability where unauthenticated users can gain unauthorized access to file system resources that are typically restricted to authorized system components. The flaw essentially creates a bypass mechanism for the framework's intended security model, enabling attackers to circumvent normal file access controls through crafted requests that target the temporary directory structure.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-6728 extends beyond simple file access violations to encompass potential system integrity compromise and data exposure risks. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to view sensitive charting data that may contain confidential business metrics, performance indicators, or other proprietary information displayed through the dashboard framework. The deletion capability presents additional operational concerns as it can disrupt dashboard functionality by removing critical charting components, potentially causing dashboard rendering failures or complete system unavailability. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on WebSphere Dashboard Framework for business intelligence and monitoring systems, where dashboard integrity and data confidentiality are paramount. The impact is amplified in environments where dashboards contain sensitive operational data, financial metrics, or strategic business indicators that could be compromised through this vulnerability.
Organizations affected by CVE-2013-6728 should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates to WebSphere Dashboard Framework versions 6.1.5 and 7.0.1. System administrators must review and tighten access controls for temporary directories used by the charting components, ensuring that proper file system permissions are enforced and that temporary storage areas are isolated from unauthorized access. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to dashboard framework components, particularly those handling charting and image generation functions. Additionally, implementing monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized file access attempts in temporary directories can provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for malicious file execution through compromised dashboard components. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that access controls remain properly configured and that no additional vulnerabilities exist within the WebSphere Dashboard Framework environment.