CVE-2021-20517 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

IBM WebSphere Application Server ND versions 8.5 and 9.0 are impacted by a directory traversal vulnerability that could be exploited by a remote authenticated attacker to read and delete arbitrary files on the system.

Understanding CVE-2021-20657

This CVE record describes a security vulnerability in IBM WebSphere Application Server ND versions 8.5 and 9.0 that allows a remote authenticated attacker to traverse directories and manipulate files on the system.

What is CVE-2021-20517?

CVE-2021-20517 involves a directory traversal vulnerability in IBM WebSphere Application Server ND versions 8.5 and 9.0 that enables a remote authenticated attacker to access and delete files on the system using crafted URL requests.

The Impact of CVE-2021-20517

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as medium, with a base score of 6.4. An attacker could exploit this flaw to compromise the integrity of the system and potentially delete critical files.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-20517

This section provides more detailed insights into the vulnerability, affected systems, and how it can be exploited.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows an authenticated attacker to perform directory traversal attacks by sending specially crafted URL requests that contain "dot dot" sequences (/../) to access and delete files on the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

IBM WebSphere Application Server ND versions 8.5 and 9.0 are affected by this vulnerability, leaving systems running these versions at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker with remote authenticated access can leverage the directory traversal flaw by manipulating the URL requests to access and delete arbitrary files on the target system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent potential exploitation of CVE-2021-20517, consider the following mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the official fix provided by IBM to remediate the vulnerability in affected versions.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activity that may indicate an ongoing attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

Keep software and systems up to date with the latest security patches to prevent known vulnerabilities from being exploited.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address any security weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely application of security patches and updates released by IBM for the WebSphere Application Server ND to eliminate the risk posed by CVE-2021-20517.