CVE-2018-1957 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Application Server 9 could allow sensitive information to be available caused by mishandling of data by the application based on an incorrect return by the httpServletRequest#authenticate() API when an unprotected URI is accessed. IBM X-Force ID: 153629.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2023
IBM WebSphere Application Server version 9 contains a security vulnerability that stems from improper handling of authentication data within the httpServletRequest#authenticate() API implementation. This flaw occurs when applications attempt to authenticate requests to unprotected URIs, creating an information disclosure scenario that could potentially expose sensitive data to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application server incorrectly processes authentication responses for endpoints that should remain unprotected, leading to unintended data exposure.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the flawed implementation of the HttpServletRequest#authenticate() method within the WebSphere Application Server framework. When an application makes a call to this method for a URI that lacks proper protection mechanisms, the server fails to correctly validate or handle the authentication response. This incorrect return value can inadvertently leak sensitive information that should remain confidential, particularly when the application server processes authentication requests for resources that are not meant to be protected. The vulnerability represents a failure in proper access control enforcement and authentication state management within the web application server's security framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, potentially enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive application data and system information. An attacker could exploit this weakness by crafting specific requests that trigger the flawed authentication handling, thereby accessing protected data or system information that should remain hidden. This vulnerability affects the overall security posture of applications deployed on IBM WebSphere Application Server 9, as it undermines the integrity of the authentication and authorization mechanisms that are fundamental to secure application operation. The issue is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where WebSphere Application Server serves as a critical component for hosting sensitive business applications.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates released for WebSphere Application Server 9. System administrators should also review and validate the authentication configurations for all applications hosted on the affected server to ensure proper access control enforcement. Additionally, implementing network monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) when used for information gathering purposes. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls and access control lists to provide defense-in-depth protection against potential exploitation of this authentication handling flaw.