CVE-2014-6160 in WebSphere Service Registry
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Service Registry and Repository (WSRR) 8.5 before 8.5.0.1, when Chrome and WebSEAL are used, does not properly process ServiceRegistryDashboard logout actions, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions by leveraging an unattended workstation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2022
IBM WebSphere Service Registry and Repository version 8.5 before 8.5.0.1 contains a critical authentication bypass vulnerability that stems from improper handling of logout actions within the ServiceRegistryDashboard component. This flaw specifically manifests when the system operates in conjunction with Google Chrome browser and IBM WebSEAL security gateway, creating a dangerous condition where authenticated sessions can be improperly maintained even after explicit logout operations. The vulnerability resides in the session management logic that fails to properly invalidate or reset authentication tokens during the logout process, allowing attackers to exploit this weakness through session replay attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a failure in the WebSphere WSRR application's session lifecycle management, where the logout functionality does not effectively terminate active user sessions or clear session state information. When users log out from the ServiceRegistryDashboard interface, the system should invalidate the current session and remove all associated authentication credentials from memory and storage. However, in affected versions, the logout mechanism either fails to execute completely or only partially invalidates the session state, leaving behind active session identifiers that can be reused by unauthorized parties. This behavior creates a persistent security risk that directly violates the principle of least privilege and proper access control enforcement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to leverage unattended workstations for persistent access to sensitive registry and repository data. Attackers can exploit this weakness by observing or capturing active session tokens, then using these tokens to access protected resources without proper authentication. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where WebSphere WSRR is used to manage critical service registries and repository information, as unauthorized access could lead to data exposure, service disruption, or manipulation of service definitions. This issue aligns with CWE-613, which addresses Insufficient Session Expiration, and represents a classic example of improper session management that violates fundamental security principles.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is primarily remote and can be executed without requiring authentication credentials for the initial exploitation phase. An attacker needs only to be in a position to observe or intercept active session tokens, which becomes increasingly feasible on unattended workstations where users may leave browsers open after logging out. This scenario creates a window of opportunity where session tokens remain valid and usable, effectively bypassing the intended access restrictions. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential harvesting through session replay or token capture methods, making it a significant concern for organizations that rely on proper access control mechanisms for their service registry management systems.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches for WebSphere WSRR version 8.5.0.1 or later, which contain the necessary fixes for the logout functionality. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing session timeout configurations that enforce automatic logout after periods of inactivity, and deploy network monitoring solutions to detect and alert on suspicious session activity patterns. The implementation of multi-factor authentication and enhanced session validation mechanisms can also help reduce the risk of exploitation. Security teams should also conduct regular audits of session management practices and ensure that proper access controls are maintained throughout the WebSphere environment, particularly for sensitive registry and repository components that handle critical service definitions and business-critical information.