CVE-2014-4767 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) Liberty Profile 8.5.x before 8.5.5.3 does not properly use the Liberty Repository for feature installation, which allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4767 affects IBM WebSphere Application Server Liberty Profile version 8.5.x prior to 8.5.5.3, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of the application server's feature management system. This issue stems from improper implementation of the Liberty Repository usage during feature installation processes, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's trust mechanisms.
The technical flaw manifests in the Liberty Profile's insufficient validation and sanitization of repository data during feature installation operations. When authenticated users interact with the server's administrative interfaces, the system fails to adequately verify the legitimacy of features being installed from the Liberty Repository. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate the feature installation process through unspecified vectors that leverage the server's trust relationship with its repository components. The vulnerability essentially permits unauthorized code execution within the context of the application server, bypassing normal security boundaries that should prevent such arbitrary code injection.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk landscape for organizations deploying IBM WebSphere Liberty Profile servers. Remote authenticated attackers who can access administrative interfaces gain the ability to execute arbitrary code on the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack surface extends beyond simple code execution to include privilege escalation opportunities, as the executed code operates with the privileges of the application server process. This could enable attackers to access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent backdoors within the enterprise infrastructure.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which addresses insecure file upload and download scenarios, and reflects patterns commonly found in software supply chain attacks where repository integrity is compromised. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and execution through legitimate system processes, specifically leveraging the server's administrative capabilities to gain unauthorized code execution. Organizations using this version of WebSphere Liberty Profile face significant risk of exploitation, particularly in environments where administrative access is not properly restricted or where user access controls are insufficient.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching to version 8.5.5.3 or later, which addresses the repository usage flaw through enhanced validation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to restrict access to administrative interfaces, enforce strong authentication controls, and monitor for unusual feature installation activities. Additional protective measures include regular security assessments of the Liberty Profile configuration, implementation of privileged access management solutions, and establishment of robust change management procedures for feature installations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and proper repository integrity verification in enterprise application server deployments.