CVE-2015-7418 in WebSphere eXtreme Scale
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere eXtreme Scale and the WebSphere DataPower XC10 Appliance allow some sensitive data to linger in memory instead of being overwritten which could allow a local user with administrator privileges to obtain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7418 affects IBM WebSphere eXtreme Scale and the WebSphere DataPower XC10 Appliance, representing a critical information disclosure weakness that stems from improper memory management practices. This flaw resides in the way these systems handle sensitive data during processing and storage operations, creating persistent memory artifacts that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically targets the memory overwrite mechanisms that should cleanse sensitive information from system memory after use, leaving residual data accessible to unauthorized entities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through insufficient memory sanitization processes within the WebSphere eXtreme Scale framework and DataPower XC10 appliance environments. When sensitive data is processed, the systems fail to properly overwrite memory locations containing this information, allowing remnants to persist in system memory. This behavior creates a persistent exposure where memory dumps or direct memory access operations could reveal cached sensitive information such as authentication credentials, encryption keys, or confidential business data. The flaw operates at the memory management level, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses traditional access control mechanisms and operates at the system's most fundamental data handling layer.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for organizations relying on these IBM products for enterprise data processing and storage. A local user with administrator privileges can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive information from system memory, potentially compromising entire enterprise environments. The attack vector requires local access and administrative privileges, but the implications are severe as it enables data exfiltration without detection through conventional monitoring systems. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor for information leakage that can persist even after normal system operations have completed, making it particularly challenging to detect and remediate.
The security implications extend beyond simple information disclosure, as this vulnerability aligns with CWE-116 Weakness in Memory Management and follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1003 Credential Dumping. Organizations using these systems face increased risk of data breaches, compliance violations, and potential regulatory penalties. The vulnerability's persistence in memory creates a window of opportunity for attackers to harvest sensitive data over extended periods, making it particularly dangerous in environments where systems operate continuously. The impact is magnified when considering that these products are typically deployed in enterprise environments where sensitive data processing and storage are core functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7418 should focus on immediate patch application from IBM, which would address the underlying memory management flaws in both WebSphere eXtreme Scale and DataPower XC10 appliances. Organizations should implement memory sanitization procedures and ensure that all sensitive data is properly overwritten before memory reclamation occurs. Additionally, monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect anomalous memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and memory analysis should be conducted to identify any lingering sensitive data in system memory. Network segmentation and privilege reduction measures can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while comprehensive audit trails should be maintained to track access to these sensitive systems and identify any unauthorized attempts to exploit the vulnerability.