CVE-2017-1741 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Application Server 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 could allow a remote attacker to obtain sensitive information caused by improper handling of Administrative Console panel fields. When exploited an attacker could read files on the file system. IBM X-Force ID: 134931.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2023
IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 contain a critical information disclosure vulnerability that stems from inadequate validation of Administrative Console panel fields. This flaw resides in the server's handling of administrative interface parameters, specifically within the console's field processing mechanisms that govern how user inputs are interpreted and processed. The vulnerability manifests when the application server fails to properly sanitize or validate input received through the administrative console panels, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the system's behavior. The improper handling of these panel fields enables attackers to craft specially formatted requests that bypass normal access controls and file system restrictions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of administrative console parameters that control panel field rendering and data processing. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform unauthorized file system operations by submitting crafted input that triggers the server to process and return contents from arbitrary file locations within the application server's file system. This misconfiguration allows for directory traversal attacks and unauthorized file reading operations that can expose sensitive configuration files, application data, and potentially system credentials or encryption keys. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and improper access control enforcement within the administrative interface components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to extract potentially sensitive data from the server's file system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could access configuration files containing database connection strings, security credentials, application-specific settings, and other confidential information that could be used for further attacks. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where WebSphere Application Server typically hosts mission-critical applications and services, as the exposure of such information could lead to complete system compromise, data breaches, or unauthorized access to business-critical systems. The vulnerability affects the administrative console's security model and undermines the trust boundary established by the application server's access control mechanisms.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes "Improper Input Validation," and CWE-22, which addresses "Path Traversal," demonstrating how improper parameter handling can create cascading security issues. The attack vector follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1083, which involves discovering system information through directory listing and file enumeration activities. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant IBM security patches, restricting administrative console access through network segmentation, implementing strict input validation controls, and monitoring for suspicious administrative console access patterns. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their WebSphere installations to identify any additional vulnerabilities in the administrative interface components and ensure that proper access controls are enforced throughout the application server's administrative capabilities.