CVE-2017-1382 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Application Server 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 might create files using the default permissions instead of the customized permissions when custom startup scripts are used. A local attacker could exploit this to gain access to files with an unknown impact. IBM X-Force ID: 127153.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2021
IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 contain a privilege escalation vulnerability that stems from improper file permission handling during application startup processes. This vulnerability specifically affects systems that utilize custom startup scripts, where the application server fails to properly enforce customized file permissions and instead defaults to system-standard permissions. The flaw creates a security boundary violation that allows local attackers to potentially access sensitive files that should be restricted based on the custom security configurations defined by administrators. This issue represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and can be categorized under CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources. The vulnerability exists because the application server's startup mechanism does not adequately validate or enforce the intended permission model when custom scripts are executed, leading to potential information disclosure and unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the file system level during the application server initialization process. When custom startup scripts are executed, the WebSphere Application Server fails to properly apply the security context that would normally be enforced through its configuration management systems. This results in files being created with default permissions that may be more permissive than those intended by the system administrator. The impact extends beyond simple file access as it can potentially allow attackers to read sensitive configuration files, access application data, or even manipulate system resources that should remain protected. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the local privilege level, meaning that an attacker who already has access to the system can exploit this flaw to escalate their privileges or gain access to additional resources that would normally be protected by the custom security policies. This behavior aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes the exploitation of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities, and T1078, which covers legitimate credentials usage for unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability can be severe for organizations relying on IBM WebSphere Application Server for critical business applications. A successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive business data, configuration information, or system resources that are typically protected by the custom security policies implemented by administrators. The unknown impact mentioned in the vulnerability description reflects the broad range of potential consequences, as attackers could potentially access database connection strings, application secrets, or other sensitive information that could be leveraged for further attacks. Organizations using these specific versions of WebSphere Application Server are particularly vulnerable because the flaw exists in the core startup and initialization processes, making it difficult to detect and remediate without proper patching or configuration changes. The vulnerability affects both the application server's runtime behavior and its configuration management systems, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited by both internal and external threat actors who have gained initial access to the system. This weakness represents a critical gap in the security posture of affected systems and can significantly compromise the confidentiality and integrity of enterprise applications.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations that include applying the relevant IBM security patches or updates that address this specific file permission handling issue. System administrators should also review and validate all custom startup scripts to ensure they properly enforce the intended security context and permission models. The implementation of proper file system monitoring and access control auditing can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing principle of least privilege configurations and regularly audit file permissions to ensure that custom security policies are properly enforced. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security configuration management and the need for thorough testing of custom scripts in security-sensitive environments. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as mandatory access controls or enhanced logging to detect unauthorized file access patterns that could indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that the implemented mitigations are effective and that no other similar permission-related vulnerabilities exist within the WebSphere Application Server environment.