CVE-2016-0378 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) Liberty before 16.0.0.3, when the installation lacks a default error page, allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by triggering an exception.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0378 affects IBM WebSphere Application Server Liberty versions prior to 16.0.0.3, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that arises from improper exception handling mechanisms within the application server. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the Liberty installation does not contain a default error page configuration, creating a scenario where remote attackers can exploit the system's response to exceptions to gain access to sensitive information that would otherwise remain protected.
The technical flaw stems from the server's inadequate error handling procedures, where the absence of a default error page causes the application server to expose internal system details, stack traces, and potentially sensitive configuration information when exceptions occur. This occurs because the Liberty server fails to sanitize its error responses properly, allowing attackers to trigger exceptions through carefully crafted requests that result in the disclosure of system internals. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the server's default behavior of exposing debugging information when error pages are not properly configured.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations utilizing IBM WebSphere Liberty profiles, as it enables remote attackers to gather intelligence about the underlying system architecture, application dependencies, and potentially sensitive data structures. The information disclosure can include database connection details, file paths, server configurations, and other system-specific information that could facilitate further attacks. Attackers can leverage this reconnaissance data to plan more sophisticated exploitation techniques, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal effort to exploit and can be automated, making it attractive to both automated scanning tools and determined attackers.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the improper handling of exceptions leading to information disclosure, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1212, which involves exploitation of information disclosure vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to IBM WebSphere Liberty version 16.0.0.3 or later, ensuring proper error page configurations are in place, and implementing robust logging mechanisms to detect and respond to exploitation attempts. Additionally, network segmentation, web application firewalls, and regular security assessments should be deployed to reduce the attack surface and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. The recommended remediation approach includes configuring custom error pages that do not expose system internals while maintaining proper logging of exception events for security monitoring purposes.