CVE-2020-4782 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 are vulnerable to a directory traversal attack that could allow a remote attacker to view arbitrary files on the system.

Understanding CVE-2020-4782

This CVE involves a security vulnerability in IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 that enables a remote attacker to traverse directories on the system.

What is CVE-2020-4782?

CVE-2020-4782 is a vulnerability in IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 that permits an attacker to send a specially-crafted URL request with "dot dot" sequences to access arbitrary files on the system.

The Impact of CVE-2020-4782

CVSS Base Score: 6.5 (Medium Severity)
Confidentiality Impact: High
Attack Vector: Network
Attack Complexity: Low
Exploit Code Maturity: Unproven
User Interaction: None
This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-4782

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 allows remote attackers to perform directory traversal attacks by manipulating URL requests.

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

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially-crafted URL requests containing "dot dot" sequences (/../) to navigate through directories and access unauthorized files.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-4782 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply official fixes provided by IBM to address the vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict network access to the affected systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch IBM WebSphere Application Server to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potential attacks.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate security weaknesses.
Educate users and administrators about secure coding practices and the risks of directory traversal attacks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all affected versions of IBM WebSphere Application Server are updated with the latest security patches and fixes to mitigate the CVE-2020-4782 vulnerability.