CVE-2019-4078 in WebSphere MQ
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere MQ 8.0.0.0 through 8.0.0.9 and 9.0.0.0 through 9.1.1 could allow a local non privileged user to execute code as an administrator due to incorrect permissions set on MQ installation directories. IBM X-Force ID: 157190.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2023
IBM WebSphere MQ represents a critical messaging middleware platform that facilitates secure communication between applications in enterprise environments. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-4078 specifically targets the installation directories of IBM WebSphere MQ versions 8.0.0.0 through 8.0.0.9 and 9.0.0.0 through 9.1.1, creating a significant security risk that stems from improper permission configurations. This flaw allows local unprivileged users to escalate their privileges and execute code with administrative privileges, fundamentally compromising the integrity and security posture of the affected systems.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the incorrect permission settings applied to MQ installation directories during the software deployment process. When IBM WebSphere MQ is installed, certain directories and files within the installation path are configured with overly permissive access controls that permit non-privileged local users to modify critical system components. This misconfiguration creates a privilege escalation vector where a low-privilege attacker can manipulate executable files or configuration resources within these directories to gain administrative access. The vulnerability manifests as a direct consequence of inadequate principle of least privilege implementation during the installation phase, where the default permission settings fail to properly restrict access to sensitive installation artifacts.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-4078 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, creating a comprehensive security compromise that can lead to complete system takeover. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with administrative privileges, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system modification, or deployment of additional malicious payloads. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where WebSphere MQ often serves as a critical messaging infrastructure component connecting multiple business applications. This vulnerability directly violates security best practices and can result in unauthorized access to sensitive enterprise data flows, disruption of business operations, and potential compliance violations.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies including proper permission configuration of MQ installation directories, regular security assessments of installed software components, and implementation of monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts. The remediation process requires administrators to review and correct the permission settings on MQ installation directories to ensure that only authorized administrative users possess write access to critical system components. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which specifically addresses incorrect permission assignment, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be leveraged as an initial access vector in broader attack campaigns targeting enterprise infrastructure.