CVE-2020-4643 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2020-4643 affecting IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0. Understand the XXE vulnerability impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.
IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 are susceptible to an XML External Entity Injection (XXE) attack, potentially leading to the exposure of sensitive information.
Understanding CVE-2020-4643
IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 are affected by a critical vulnerability that could be exploited by remote attackers to perform XXE attacks.
What is CVE-2020-4643?
CVE-2020-4643 is an XML External Entity Injection (XXE) vulnerability found in IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0. This vulnerability could allow malicious actors to access sensitive information by injecting malicious XML content.
The Impact of CVE-2020-4643
The vulnerability poses a high risk as it could lead to the exposure of confidential data, impacting the integrity and confidentiality of the affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-4643
IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 are affected by an XXE vulnerability that has the following technical details:
Vulnerability Description
- Type: XML External Entity Injection (XXE)
- Attack Vector: Network
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Confidentiality Impact: High
- Integrity Impact: None
- Privileges Required: None
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 remotely by sending malicious XML data to the affected IBM WebSphere Application Server instances.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2020-4643, the following steps are recommended:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply official fixes provided by IBM to patch the vulnerability.
- Monitor IBM's security bulletins for updates and advisories.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch IBM WebSphere Application Server installations.
- Implement network security measures to prevent unauthorized access.
- Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- IBM has released official fixes to address the vulnerability in affected versions of WebSphere Application Server.