CVE-2018-1421 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2018-1421 affecting IBM WebSphere DataPower Appliances versions 7.1 to 7.6. Understand the XXE vulnerability impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
IBM WebSphere DataPower Appliances versions 7.1, 7.2, 7.5, 7.5.1, 7.5.2, and 7.6 are vulnerable to an XML External Entity Injection (XXE) attack, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information or memory resource depletion.
Understanding CVE-2018-1421
This CVE involves a security vulnerability in IBM WebSphere DataPower Appliances that could be exploited by remote attackers.
What is CVE-2018-1421?
The vulnerability in IBM WebSphere DataPower Appliances versions 7.1 to 7.6 allows for an XML External Entity Injection (XXE) attack, enabling remote attackers to access confidential information or exhaust memory resources.
The Impact of CVE-2018-1421
- CVSS Base Score: 7.1 (High Severity)
- Attack Vector: Network
- Confidentiality Impact: High
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Exploiting this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data or denial of service.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-1421
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in IBM DataPower Gateways versions 7.1 to 7.6 allows for an XXE attack during XML data processing, posing a risk of information exposure or resource exhaustion.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Product: DataPower Gateways
- Vendor: IBM
- Vulnerable Versions: 7.1, 7.2, 7.5, 7.5.1, 7.5.2, 7.6
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited remotely by manipulating XML data to execute an XXE attack, potentially leading to data breaches or service disruption.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor-supplied patches or updates promptly.
- Implement network segmentation to limit exposure.
- Monitor and analyze XML data processing for suspicious activities.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch all software and systems.
- Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.
- Educate users and administrators on secure XML data handling practices.
Patching and Updates
- IBM has released patches to address the vulnerability in affected versions of DataPower Gateways.