CVE-2017-1681 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Application Server (IBM Liberty for Java for Bluemix 3.15) could allow a local attacker to obtain sensitive information, caused by improper handling of application requests, which could allow unauthorized access to read a file. IBM X-Force ID: 134003.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1681 affects IBM WebSphere Application Server, specifically the IBM Liberty profile version 3.15 running on Bluemix cloud infrastructure. This security flaw represents a critical information disclosure vulnerability that arises from inadequate validation of application requests within the server's processing pipeline. The vulnerability manifests when the application server fails to properly sanitize or validate incoming requests, creating an opportunity for local attackers to exploit the system's file access mechanisms. The flaw specifically enables unauthorized file reading operations, potentially exposing sensitive data stored within the application server's file system. Such vulnerabilities are particularly concerning in cloud environments where multiple applications may share underlying infrastructure resources and where proper isolation mechanisms are critical for maintaining security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper request handling mechanisms within the IBM Liberty runtime environment. When application requests are processed, the system does not adequately validate the authenticity or legitimacy of file access operations, allowing malicious actors to craft requests that bypass normal access controls. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-20 category of "Improper Input Validation" and can be classified as a privilege escalation or information disclosure weakness. The attack vector is primarily local, meaning that an attacker must already have some level of access to the system to exploit this vulnerability, though the impact extends beyond simple privilege elevation to include sensitive data exposure. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the server's input sanitization and access control enforcement mechanisms, creating a path for unauthorized file reading operations that could expose configuration files, application data, or other sensitive resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to potentially compromise the entire security posture of applications hosted on the affected IBM WebSphere Liberty profile. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive application configuration files, database connection strings, cryptographic keys, or other confidential information that could lead to further exploitation opportunities. The exposure of such information could enable attackers to escalate their privileges, access additional systems, or conduct more sophisticated attacks against the application infrastructure. In cloud environments like Bluemix, where multiple tenants share resources, this vulnerability could potentially allow an attacker to access data belonging to other applications or users, violating fundamental security isolation principles. The vulnerability also represents a potential entry point for more advanced attacks, as the leaked information could provide attackers with insights into the application architecture and security controls in place. Organizations using this version of IBM Liberty should consider this vulnerability as potentially enabling broader compromise scenarios beyond simple information disclosure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-1681 should focus on immediate remediation through official IBM patches and updates, while implementing additional defensive measures to reduce the attack surface. Organizations should ensure that all instances of IBM WebSphere Liberty profile are updated to versions that address this vulnerability, with particular attention to the specific 3.15 version mentioned in the CVE description. System administrators should implement strict access controls and monitoring of file access operations to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 for "Data from Local System" and T1070 for "Indicator Removal on Host," as attackers may attempt to access sensitive files and subsequently remove evidence of their activities. Additional mitigations include implementing proper request validation mechanisms, restricting file system permissions for application processes, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for anomalous file access patterns. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their application server configurations to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other components of their infrastructure, as this type of improper input handling often indicates broader security control weaknesses.