CVE-2015-5004 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
The Edge Component Caching Proxy in IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) 8.0 before 8.0.0.12 and 8.5 before 8.5.5.8 does not properly encrypt data, which allows remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5004 affects the Edge Component Caching Proxy functionality within IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 8.0.0.11 and earlier, as well as 8.5.5.7 and earlier. This issue represents a critical weakness in the server's data protection mechanisms that specifically impacts the encryption of cached content. The flaw exists within the Edge Component Caching Proxy module which is designed to optimize performance by caching frequently accessed data across distributed application server environments. The vulnerability manifests when the system fails to properly encrypt sensitive data that passes through or is stored within this caching mechanism, creating a potential exposure point for unauthorized access to confidential information.
The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate cryptographic practices within the caching proxy component where data intended for secure transmission and storage is not being properly encrypted before being processed through the caching infrastructure. This weakness allows authenticated remote attackers to exploit the system by leveraging unspecified vectors that bypass normal encryption protocols. The vulnerability specifically targets the data encryption mechanisms that should protect sensitive information flowing through the caching proxy, potentially exposing user credentials, session tokens, business data, or other confidential information that may be cached in transit or at rest within the affected proxy component. The flaw demonstrates a failure in the application's security architecture where cryptographic controls are not consistently applied across all data processing pathways.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure as it compromises the fundamental security assurances that organizations expect from their application servers. Remote authenticated users can potentially access cached data that contains sensitive business information, user authentication details, or proprietary data that should remain protected. This vulnerability undermines the trust model of the WebSphere Application Server by creating a pathway for attackers to obtain confidential information without requiring elevated privileges beyond authentication. The affected versions represent a significant attack surface since the Edge Component Caching Proxy is commonly deployed in enterprise environments where performance optimization and data security are critical requirements, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in production environments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 8.0.0.12 or 8.5.5.8, which contain the necessary patches to address the encryption weakness in the caching proxy component. System administrators should also review and strengthen their security configurations to ensure proper encryption protocols are enforced throughout the application server environment. Additional defensive measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to the affected components, monitoring for unusual access patterns in cached data, and conducting thorough security assessments of caching configurations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses in application security, and may be exploited through techniques consistent with ATT&CK tactics such as credential access and defense evasion. Organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive audit trails of cache operations.