CVE-2020-4276 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 are vulnerable to a privilege escalation issue when using token-based authentication in an admin request over the SOAP connector.

Understanding CVE-2020-4276

This CVE involves a privilege escalation vulnerability in IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0.

What is CVE-2020-4276?

IBM WebSphere Application Server 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 traditional is vulnerable to a privilege escalation vulnerability when using token-based authentication in an admin request over the SOAP connector. X-Force ID: 175984.

The Impact of CVE-2020-4276

CVSS Base Score: 7.5 (High)
Attack Vector: Network
Confidentiality Impact: High
Integrity Impact: High
Availability Impact: High
Privileges Required: Low
Remediation Level: Official Fix
Exploit Code Maturity: Unproven
Report Confidence: Confirmed

Technical Details of CVE-2020-4276

This section provides technical details of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows for privilege escalation when token-based authentication is used in an admin request over the SOAP connector.

Affected Systems and Versions

IBM WebSphere Application Server 7.0
IBM WebSphere Application Server 8.0
IBM WebSphere Application Server 8.5
IBM WebSphere Application Server 9.0

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by leveraging token-based authentication in an admin request over the SOAP connector.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2020-4276 with the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply official fixes provided by IBM.
Monitor IBM's security bulletins for updates.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strong authentication mechanisms.
Regularly update and patch IBM WebSphere Application Server.
Conduct security assessments and audits.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates for IBM WebSphere Application Server.