CVE-2020-4464 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Application Server 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 traditional could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on a system with a specially-crafted sequence of serialized objects over the SOAP connector. IBM X-Force ID: 181489.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2020
IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 contain a critical remote code execution vulnerability through the SOAP connector interface. This vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of serialized object sequences during SOAP message processing, creating a pathway for remote attackers to inject malicious serialized data that can be deserialized on the target system. The flaw specifically affects the traditional deployment mode of these application server versions, where the SOAP connector serves as an entry point for remote communication and object serialization operations. When the server processes crafted serialized objects through the SOAP interface, it fails to properly validate the object types and content, allowing attackers to construct malicious object graphs that can trigger arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability operates at the core of Java deserialization mechanisms, where the application server's handling of serialized data lacks proper type checking and validation controls. The attack vector requires no authentication and can be exploited over the network, making it particularly dangerous as it allows remote attackers to gain system-level privileges and execute arbitrary commands on the affected server. According to CWE-502, this vulnerability represents a classic deserialization flaw where untrusted data is processed without adequate validation, leading to remote code execution. The impact extends beyond simple command execution as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially compromise the entire application server infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1133 for External Remote Services, as it enables attackers to execute commands remotely and access external services through the SOAP connector. The vulnerability affects organizations using IBM WebSphere Application Server in traditional mode, particularly those with exposed SOAP connector endpoints. Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation to restrict access to SOAP connector ports, apply the relevant IBM security patches, and consider disabling the SOAP connector if it is not essential for business operations. The vulnerability demonstrates how legacy application server components can contain dangerous deserialization patterns that persist across multiple versions, highlighting the importance of regular security assessments and patch management for enterprise application platforms.