CVE-2019-4720 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2019-4720 affecting IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0. Find out the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps for this denial of service vulnerability.
IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 are susceptible to a denial of service vulnerability, allowing an attacker to exhaust server memory.
Understanding CVE-2019-4720
This CVE involves a vulnerability in IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 that can be exploited for a denial of service attack.
What is CVE-2019-4720?
The vulnerability in IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 allows a specially crafted request to trigger a denial of service attack, potentially leading to the exhaustion of server memory.
The Impact of CVE-2019-4720
- CVSS Base Score: 7.5 (High)
- Attack Vector: Network
- Availability Impact: High
- Exploit Code Maturity: Unproven
- Temporal Score: 6.5 (Medium)
- This vulnerability has been confirmed by IBM X-Force with ID 172125.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-4720
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 allows for a denial of service attack by exploiting a specially crafted request.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Systems: IBM WebSphere Application Server
- Affected Versions: 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0
Exploitation Mechanism
- An external attacker can send a specially crafted request to trigger the vulnerability, causing the server to consume all available memory.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply the official fix provided by IBM to address the vulnerability.
- Monitor server resources for unusual memory consumption.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch IBM WebSphere Application Server to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security bulletins and updates from IBM to apply patches promptly.