1. Introduction
IBM WebSphere Portal Error Codes Information Disclosure (PI21858) affects systems running IBM WebSphere Portal software. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker to identify devices behind a firewall by observing error codes returned by the portal. It primarily impacts confidentiality, potentially exposing internal network details. Affected systems are typically those hosting public-facing web applications or portals.
2. Technical Explanation
The vulnerability stems from IBM WebSphere Portal returning detailed error codes in response to requests. An attacker can exploit this by sending crafted requests and analysing the returned error information to identify internal devices. The CVE associated with this issue is CVE-2014-4746. For example, an attacker could send a request designed to trigger an error condition and then parse the resulting HTTP response for identifying details about the server’s configuration or network topology.
- Root cause: The version of IBM WebSphere Portal on the remote host returns error codes in responses.
- Exploit mechanism: A remote attacker can exploit this issue to identify devices behind a firewall by analysing these error codes.
- Scope: Affected products include IBM WebSphere Portal software running on Windows hosts.
3. Detection and Assessment
To confirm vulnerability, check the installed version of IBM WebSphere Portal. A thorough assessment involves reviewing network traffic for exposed error codes.
- Quick checks: Use the IBM Installation Manager GUI or command-line tools to determine the WebSphere Portal version.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ad660435 can be used as an example to detect this vulnerability.
- Logs and evidence: Examine application server logs for detailed error messages that may reveal internal network information.
4. Solution / Remediation Steps
Apply Interim Fix PI21858 published by IBM to address the vulnerability. Follow these steps for a safe and effective remediation.
4.1 Preparation
- Ensure you have sufficient disk space for the fix installation. A roll back plan involves restoring from the pre-fix backup.
- A change window may be required, depending on service impact and internal policies. Approval from a system owner is recommended.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Download Interim Fix PI21858 from IBM’s support website (see References).
- Step 2: Use the IBM Installation Manager to apply the fix to your WebSphere Portal installation.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
After
4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Practices like least privilege and input validation can help mitigate the impact of information disclosure vulnerabilities. Regular patch cadence is also important.
- Practice 1: Least privilege limits the potential damage if an attacker gains access.
- Practice 2: Input validation prevents attackers from crafting requests that expose sensitive information.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
5. Verification / Validation
Confirm the fix by verifying the Interim Fix is installed and re-testing for exposed error codes. Perform a basic service smoke test to ensure functionality remains intact.
- Post-fix check: Use IBM Installation Manager to confirm PI21858 is listed as an installed fix.
- Re-test: Send the same requests used during detection and verify that detailed error codes are no longer returned.
- Smoke test: Verify basic portal functionality, such as user login and content access.
- Monitoring: Monitor application server logs for unexpected errors or changes in error message format.
6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Update security baselines to include the latest patch requirements. Implement regular vulnerability scanning as part of your asset management process.
- Baselines: Update your WebSphere Portal security baseline to require Interim Fix PI21858 or later versions.
- Pipelines: Integrate vulnerability scanning into your CI/CD pipeline to detect similar issues early in the development lifecycle.
- Asset and patch process: Establish a regular patch review cycle for all critical systems, including WebSphere Portal.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
- Risk or side effect 1: Potential for brief service downtime during fix installation and restart.
8. References and Resources
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://www-304.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg21680230
- NVD or CVE entry: CVE-2014-4746