CVE-2017-1788 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Application Server 9 installations using Form Login could allow a remote attacker to conduct spoofing attacks. IBM X-Force ID: 137031.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1788 affects IBM WebSphere Application Server version 9 and represents a significant security flaw that enables remote attackers to conduct spoofing attacks through form-based authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically impacts installations that utilize form login functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate authentication processes and potentially gain unauthorized access to protected resources. The issue stems from insufficient validation of authentication responses, allowing attackers to exploit weaknesses in the form-based login implementation.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of form authentication responses within the WebSphere Application Server 9 framework. When users attempt to authenticate through form-based login mechanisms, the server fails to adequately validate the authentication state and response parameters. This validation gap creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate the authentication flow by crafting malicious responses that appear legitimate to the server. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal authentication procedures and potentially impersonate legitimate users within the application environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-1788 extends beyond simple authentication bypass scenarios, as it enables sophisticated spoofing attacks that can compromise the integrity of user sessions and application data. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can potentially access sensitive user information, perform unauthorized transactions, and manipulate application functionality. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit this flaw, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with public-facing web applications. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-346, which addresses "Improper Verification of Source of a Communication Channel" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, focusing on credential access through spoofing mechanisms.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of IBM's official security patches and updates. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to WebSphere Application Server 9.0.0.10 or later versions where the vulnerability has been addressed through enhanced authentication response validation. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual authentication patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider deploying additional authentication controls such as multi-factor authentication and implementing strict session management policies to minimize the impact if exploitation occurs. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in related systems and ensure comprehensive protection against credential-based attacks.