CVE-2018-1643 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
The Installation Verification Tool of IBM WebSphere Application Server 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 is vulnerable to cross-site scripting. This vulnerability allows users to embed arbitrary JavaScript code in the Web UI thus altering the intended functionality potentially leading to credentials disclosure within a trusted session. IBM X-Force ID: 144588
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1643 affects the Installation Verification Tool component of IBM WebSphere Application Server across multiple versions including 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0. This represents a critical security flaw that resides within the web-based user interface of the installation verification process, which is typically accessed during the setup and configuration phases of the application server. The affected component serves as a verification mechanism to ensure proper installation and configuration of the WebSphere environment, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit the system during its initial deployment phase. The vulnerability manifests as a cross-site scripting weakness that allows malicious actors to inject JavaScript code into the web interface, fundamentally compromising the integrity of the verification process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the Installation Verification Tool's web interface. When users interact with the tool's web forms or parameter inputs, the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it back to the browser. This allows an attacker to submit malicious JavaScript payloads through various input fields that are then executed in the context of the victim's browser session. The vulnerability specifically enables persistent cross-site scripting attacks where the injected code can be stored and executed across multiple user sessions, potentially capturing sensitive information including authentication credentials and session tokens. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as a result of improper neutralization of input during web page generation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, creating significant risks for organizations deploying IBM WebSphere Application Server. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform session hijacking attacks, steal administrative credentials, and potentially gain unauthorized access to the application server configuration. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the Installation Verification Tool is often accessible during the initial setup phase when security controls may be less stringent, and administrators might be less vigilant about input validation. The vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it allows for reconnaissance and credential theft even before the application server is fully configured. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers spearphishing with a malicious attachment, though in this case the malicious input is embedded within the tool itself.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the relevant IBM security patches and hotfixes that address the cross-site scripting flaw. The remediation process involves updating the WebSphere Application Server to versions that include proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit exposure of the Installation Verification Tool to untrusted networks, while also implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script injections. Additionally, administrators should conduct comprehensive security reviews of all web-based administrative interfaces and ensure that proper input sanitization is implemented across all components. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly for administrative tools that handle user-provided data. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect suspicious activities related to the installation verification process and establish incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts.