CVE-2014-6174 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Application Server 7.x before 7.0.0.37, 8.0.x before 8.0.0.10, and 8.5.x before 8.5.5.4 allows remote attackers to conduct clickjacking attacks via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2022
IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.x before 7.0.0.37, 8.0.x before 8.0.0.10, and 8.5.x before 8.5.5.4 contain a critical security vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute clickjacking attacks through maliciously crafted websites. This vulnerability stems from the application server's insufficient implementation of clickjacking protection mechanisms, particularly the absence of proper X-Frame-Options headers in HTTP responses. The flaw resides in the server's web interface handling, where it fails to adequately prevent its content from being embedded within frames or iframes on external domains, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-1021, which specifically addresses improper restriction of rendering of web content, and represents a direct failure in implementing defensive web security controls. Clickjacking attacks exploit this weakness by embedding legitimate WebSphere application server pages within invisible or deceptive frames on malicious websites, tricking users into performing unintended actions. When users interact with what appears to be a legitimate interface element, they are actually engaging with the hidden malicious frame, potentially leading to unauthorized transactions, data manipulation, or privilege escalation within the WebSphere environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-6174 extends beyond simple user interface manipulation, as it can enable attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and perform unauthorized operations within the application server environment. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations running older WebSphere versions where proper security headers are not automatically implemented, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited across multiple attack scenarios. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers can leverage it without requiring physical access or local system compromise, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where WebSphere servers are exposed to external networks.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including deploying the appropriate IBM security patches and updates for their WebSphere Application Server versions, specifically targeting the affected release numbers mentioned in the vulnerability description. Additionally, implementing proper X-Frame-Options headers at the application server level, configuring Content Security Policy (CSP) headers, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of web applications running on these platforms will significantly reduce the attack surface. The remediation process should also include monitoring for any suspicious frame embedding attempts and implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious clickjacking attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as user session management enhancements and regular security audits to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability and similar clickjacking threats. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security configurations and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against various attack vectors including those leveraging web interface manipulation techniques.