CVE-2017-1207 in WebSphere Message Broker
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Message Broker stores user credentials in plain in clear text which can be read by a local user. IBM X-Force ID: 123777.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2020
IBM WebSphere Message Broker contains a critical security vulnerability that allows local users to access stored user credentials in plain text format. This flaw represents a fundamental failure in credential storage security practices and creates a significant attack surface for malicious actors who gain local system access. The vulnerability specifically affects how the messaging broker handles authentication information, storing sensitive data without adequate encryption or obfuscation mechanisms. Security researchers have identified this weakness as a direct violation of established secure coding principles and configuration management standards.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper cryptographic protection for stored credentials. When user authentication information is processed within the WebSphere Message Broker environment, the system does not employ industry-standard encryption mechanisms to protect sensitive data at rest. This plain text storage approach directly contravenes security frameworks such as the CWE-312 category for "Sensitive Data Exposure" and represents a clear violation of defense-in-depth principles. Attackers with local access to the system can simply browse the file system or memory locations where these credentials are stored, extracting usernames and passwords without requiring additional exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of organizations relying on WebSphere Message Broker for enterprise messaging services. Local privilege escalation becomes significantly easier when attackers can obtain valid credentials from the system, potentially enabling them to access additional network resources, escalate privileges, or maintain persistent access. This vulnerability creates a pathway for lateral movement within networks where the broker is deployed, as stolen credentials can be used to access other systems that may share similar authentication mechanisms. The risk is compounded when considering that many enterprise environments store multiple credential sets within the same system, creating a single point of failure that can compromise entire infrastructure components.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting local system access to WebSphere Message Broker installations, implementing proper file system permissions, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts. System administrators should consider deploying additional security controls such as intrusion detection systems and file integrity monitoring solutions to detect potential credential theft activities. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for "Valid Accounts" and T1566 for "Phishing", as it enables attackers to obtain legitimate credentials that can be used for further exploitation. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that credential storage mechanisms have been properly configured according to security best practices, and that no plain text credentials remain accessible to unauthorized users within the system environment.