CVE-2018-1567 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Application Server 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary Java code through the SOAP connector with a serialized object from untrusted sources. IBM X-Force ID: 143024.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1567 affects IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that can be exploited by attackers without authentication. This vulnerability specifically targets the SOAP connector component within the application server, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary Java code on affected systems. The flaw arises from insufficient validation of serialized objects received through the SOAP interface, allowing attackers to craft malicious serialized data that, when processed by the server, results in unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-502, which addresses deserialization of untrusted data, a well-known attack vector that has been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature and commonly referenced in ATT&CK framework under the technique of "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" T1203.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the server's handling of serialized Java objects through the SOAP protocol, where the WebSphere server fails to properly validate or sanitize incoming serialized data before processing it. When an attacker sends a maliciously crafted serialized object through the SOAP connector, the application server deserializes this object without adequate security checks, leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the WebSphere process. This represents a significant security risk as the attacker can potentially gain full control over the application server, access sensitive data, modify applications, or use the compromised server as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated attack tools and malicious actors seeking to compromise enterprise environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-1567 extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities to encompass broader system compromise and data exposure risks. Organizations running affected WebSphere versions face potential unauthorized access to sensitive business applications and data stored within the server environment, with implications for data integrity, confidentiality, and availability. The vulnerability can enable attackers to escalate privileges, deploy additional malware, establish persistent access points, or use the compromised server for lateral movement attacks against other systems within the enterprise network. Additionally, the attack surface is particularly concerning for organizations with complex IT infrastructures where WebSphere servers may be connected to critical business applications and databases, potentially allowing attackers to gain access to enterprise-wide resources. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target affected systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or network proximity.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates as released through IBM's security advisories, which address the deserialization vulnerability in the SOAP connector. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to WebSphere SOAP endpoints, particularly from untrusted networks, implementing principle of least privilege access controls that limit which systems can communicate with the vulnerable SOAP interfaces. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary SOAP services, implementing strict input validation for all serialized data, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of the WebSphere environment to identify and remediate other potential vulnerabilities. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious patterns in SOAP traffic and serialized object processing, with intrusion detection systems configured to alert on anomalous deserialization activities. Organizations should also consider implementing application firewalls or web application firewalls specifically designed to protect against deserialization attacks, as these technologies can provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. The mitigation approach should align with industry best practices for securing enterprise application servers and align with security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 controls for application security and the OWASP Top Ten security risks.