CVE-2014-6166 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
The Communications Enabled Applications (CEA) service in IBM WebSphere Application Server 8.0.x before 8.0.0.10 and 8.5.x before 8.5.5.4, and Feature Pack for CEA 1.x before 1.0.0.15, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via an XML external entity declaration in conjunction with an entity reference, related to an XML External Entity (XXE) issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6166 represents a critical XML External Entity (XXE) flaw within IBM WebSphere Application Server's Communications Enabled Applications service. This vulnerability exists in specific versions of the application server and its associated feature pack, creating a pathway for remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize XML data processing, particularly when handling external entity declarations. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-611, which specifically addresses Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference, making it a direct descendant of well-known XML parsing security issues that have plagued various enterprise applications over the years.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the CEA service processes XML requests containing malicious external entity declarations. Attackers can construct specially crafted XML payloads that include external entity references pointing to local files or network resources. When the application server processes these malformed XML documents, it resolves the external entities and subsequently reads the referenced files, potentially exposing sensitive data such as configuration files, database credentials, or system information. The exploitation requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user-supplied XML data. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002, which involves data from information repositories, specifically targeting the exposure of sensitive files through malformed input processing.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-6166 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical system resources and potentially escalate privileges. Organizations running affected versions of IBM WebSphere Application Server face significant risks including data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations. The vulnerability affects both the base application server and its feature pack, meaning that organizations utilizing the Communications Enabled Applications functionality are particularly at risk. Attackers can leverage this weakness to access not only local files but potentially traverse the file system to access sensitive configuration data, application source code, or other system resources that should remain protected. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-6166 primarily involve applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates that address the XXE processing flaws in the affected IBM WebSphere Application Server versions. Organizations should immediately upgrade to the patched versions 8.0.0.10 and 8.5.5.4 for the main application server, along with the corresponding feature pack updates. Additionally, implementing proper XML input validation and sanitization measures can help prevent exploitation even if patches are not immediately available. Security configurations should include disabling external entity processing in XML parsers and implementing strict input validation for all XML data received by the application. Network-level controls such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other applications or systems that might be similarly vulnerable to XXE attacks, ensuring that their overall security posture is strengthened against this class of vulnerabilities that has been consistently exploited in enterprise environments since the early 2000s.