Overview
On June 5, Beijing time, IBM released a security bulletin to announce the fix of a high-risk remote code execution vulnerability (CVE-2020-4450) in WebSphere Application Server (WAS). This vulnerability was caused by deserialization of the Internet Inter-ORB Protocol (IIOP). It is assigned the CVSS base score of 9.8 and therefore is a high-risk one with an extensive impact.
The NSFOCUS security research team reported CVE-2020-4450 to IBM. An unauthenticated attacker could remotely target the WAS server via the IIOP protocol to execute code on the target server and gain system privileges, thereby taking control of the server.
A successful exploit is illustrated as follows:
Since detailed analysis of the vulnerability has been available recently and the vulnerability has a great impact, affected users are advised to take preventive measures as soon as possible.
Reference link:
Affected Versions
- WebSphere Application Server 9.0.x
- WebSphere Application Server 8.5.x
Note: Official support is no longer available for WebSphere Application Server V7.0 and V8.0.
Solution
The vendor has released patches to fix this vulnerability. Affected users are advised to upgrade as soon as possible.
– WebSphere Application Server 9.0.x: Interim Fix PH25074
– WebSphere Application Server 8.5.x: Interim Fix PH25074
Users can download patches at IBM Installation Manager for installation. Alternatively, they can manually download patches from the official website for installation by clicking https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6220276.
For more information, please see the vulnerability advisory previously released by NSFOCUS:
Statement
This advisory is only used to describe a potential risk. NSFOCUS does not provide any commitment or promise on this advisory. NSFOCUS and the author will not bear any liability for any direct and/or indirect consequences and losses caused by transmitting and/or using this advisory. NSFOCUS reserves all the rights to modify and interpret this advisory. Please include this statement paragraph when reproducing or transferring this advisory. Do not modify this advisory, add/delete any information to/from it, or use this advisory for commercial purposes without permission from NSFOCUS.
About NSFOCUS
NSFOCUS, Inc., a global network and cyber security leader, protects enterprises and carriers from advanced cyber attacks. The company’s Intelligent Hybrid Security strategy utilizes both cloud and on-premises security platforms, built on a foundation of real-time global threat intelligence, to provide multi-layered, unified and dynamic protection against advanced cyber attacks.
NSFOCUS works with Fortune Global 500 companies, including four of the world’s five largest financial institutions, organizations in insurance, retail, healthcare, critical infrastructure industries as well as government agencies. NSFOCUS has technology and channel partners in more than 60 countries, is a member of both the Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP), and the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA).
A wholly owned subsidiary of NSFOCUS Technologies Group Co., Ltd., the company has operations in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
