CVE-2017-1337 in WebSphere MQ
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere MQ 9.0.1 and 9.0.2 Java/JMS application can incorrectly transmit user credentials in plain text. IBM X-Force ID: 126245.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
IBM WebSphere MQ version 9.0.1 and 9.0.2 contains a critical security vulnerability that allows for plaintext credential transmission in Java/JMS applications. This flaw represents a significant breach in the security posture of enterprise messaging systems where sensitive authentication information flows through the network without proper encryption. The vulnerability specifically affects applications that utilize the Java Message Service interface for communication with the messaging queue system, creating an attack surface where credentials can be intercepted during transmission.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper implementation of secure communication protocols within the WebSphere MQ Java client libraries. When applications connect to the messaging queue using JMS interfaces, the system fails to enforce mandatory encryption for authentication credentials, allowing sensitive user information to be transmitted in plaintext format across the network. This weakness directly violates fundamental security principles for protecting authentication data and creates opportunities for man-in-the-middle attacks, credential harvesting, and unauthorized access to enterprise messaging systems. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-312 as exposure of sensitive information and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1075 which covers use of valid accounts for unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as compromised authentication information can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to critical enterprise data flows. Attackers can leverage this weakness to intercept user credentials during the connection establishment process, potentially gaining access to sensitive messaging queues that transport confidential business information, financial transactions, or personal data. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on WebSphere MQ for enterprise messaging and security, particularly those with distributed applications that connect to queue managers over untrusted network segments. Organizations may experience significant regulatory and compliance implications if credential interception leads to data breaches, as this vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of enterprise communications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of IBM security patches and fixes released for WebSphere MQ 9.0.1 and 9.0.2 versions, ensuring that all Java/JMS applications enforce mandatory TLS/SSL encryption for all communication channels, and implementing network segmentation to limit exposure of messaging systems to untrusted networks. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive network monitoring to detect potential credential interception attempts and establish robust credential management practices including regular credential rotation and implementation of multi-factor authentication for critical messaging system access. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper implementation of cryptographic protocols, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize the protection of sensitive data in transit and the necessity of mandatory encryption for all authentication communications.