CVE-2020-5016 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2021
IBM WebSphere Application Server 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 could allow a remote attacker to traverse directories on the system. When application security is disabled and JAX-RPC applications are present, an attacker could send a specially-crafted URL request containing "dot dot" sequences (/../) to view arbitrary xml files on the system. This does not occur if Application security is enabled. IBM X-Force ID: 193556.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2021
IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 contain a directory traversal vulnerability that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary XML files on the system through specially crafted URL requests containing dot-dot sequences. This vulnerability specifically manifests when application security is disabled and JAX-RPC applications are present within the server configuration. The flaw allows an attacker to manipulate the path resolution mechanism by inserting ../ sequences into the URL, effectively bypassing normal file system access controls and gaining unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files and potentially other system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path sanitization within the WebSphere server's handling of JAX-RPC requests. When application security features are disabled, the server fails to properly validate user-supplied input that contains directory traversal sequences, allowing malicious requests to navigate beyond the intended application boundaries. This represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that aligns with CWE-22 - "Improper Limiting of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" and falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests without requiring any special privileges or authentication credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with access to potentially sensitive configuration files that may contain database connection strings, cryptographic keys, or other security-sensitive information. The exposure of XML configuration files could reveal internal server architecture details, application dependencies, and potentially lead to further exploitation opportunities. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into the system's internal structure, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation or additional reconnaissance activities. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of the application server environment, particularly when combined with other exploitation techniques that may be available within the same vulnerable system.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including enabling application security features within WebSphere, which serves as the primary defense against this specific vulnerability. The most effective approach involves ensuring that application security is enabled and properly configured to validate all user input and restrict path traversal attempts. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, network segmentation, and monitoring for unusual URL patterns can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates as soon as they become available, while maintaining comprehensive logging of all HTTP requests to identify potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in application security design, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1083 - "File and Directory Discovery" and T1213 - "Data from Information Repositories" as attackers could use this information to plan further attacks against the system.