CVE-2019-4271 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Application Server 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 Admin console is vulnerable to a Client-side HTTP parameter pollution vulnerability. IBM X-Force ID: 160243.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2023
IBM WebSphere Application Server admin console contains a client-side HTTP parameter pollution vulnerability that allows remote attackers to manipulate application behavior through crafted HTTP requests. This vulnerability affects versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 of the application server and specifically impacts the administrative interface where users interact with the system through web-based consoles. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and parameter handling within the client-side JavaScript code that processes HTTP parameters sent to the admin console. When the application processes multiple parameters with the same name in HTTP requests, it fails to properly sanitize or consolidate these values, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject unintended parameter values that may alter the application's intended behavior.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the browser-based admin console where HTTP parameters are processed through client-side JavaScript functions that do not adequately validate parameter boundaries or handle parameter conflicts. When multiple parameters with identical names are present in a request, the application's parameter parsing logic may inadvertently concatenate or prioritize certain parameters over others, leading to unexpected application state changes or privilege escalation opportunities. This vulnerability falls under CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and specifically relates to CWE-444, which deals with inconsistent handling of HTTP parameters. The flaw exists in the client-side processing layer where parameter pollution can occur before parameters are sent to server-side validation mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses traditional server-side input sanitization measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple parameter manipulation to potentially enable privilege escalation attacks within the WebSphere administrative environment. An attacker could exploit this weakness to manipulate administrative functions, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system configurations or executing administrative commands without proper authentication. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where WebSphere Application Server admin consoles are exposed to external networks or where multiple administrative users access the system simultaneously. Attackers could leverage this flaw to inject malicious parameters that alter the behavior of administrative functions, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves client-side exploitation through scripting languages, and T1548.002, which covers privilege escalation through application misconfiguration.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of IBM WebSphere Application Server that address this client-side parameter pollution vulnerability. The recommended approach involves applying the official IBM security patches and updates that specifically target the parameter handling logic in the admin console components. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit direct access to administrative interfaces, ensuring that only authorized personnel can reach the admin console through secure network paths. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious parameter patterns, enabling strict content security policies to prevent unauthorized script execution, and conducting regular security assessments of the admin console interfaces. Organizations should also establish monitoring protocols to detect anomalous parameter usage patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining detailed audit logs of administrative activities to quickly identify any unauthorized access or modifications that could result from successful exploitation of this vulnerability.