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Security Bulletin: Potential Privilege escalation vulnerability in WebSphere Application Server (CVE-2018-1840)

Security Bulletin


Summary

There is a potential privilege elevation vulnerability in WebSphere Application Server after migration from WebSphere Application Server Version 8 when a security domain is configured to use a federated repository other than global federated repository.

Vulnerability Details

CVEID: CVE-2018-1840
DESCRIPTION: IBM WebSphere Application Server could allow a remote attacker to gain elevated privileges on the system, caused when a security domain is configured to use a federated repository other than global federated repository and then migrated to a newer release of WebSphere Application Server.
CVSS Base Score: 6
CVSS Temporal Score: See https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/150813 for the current score
CVSS Environmental Score*: Undefined
CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L)

Affected Products and Versions

This vulnerability affects the following versions and releases of IBM WebSphere Application Server:

  • Version 9.0
  • Version 8.5

Remediation/Fixes

The recommended solution is to apply the interim fix, Fix Pack containing the APARs for each named product as soon as practical.

For WebSphere Application Server traditional and WebSphere Application Server Hypervisor Edition:

If you have migrated from Version 8 and you have a security domain that is configured to use a federated repository other than global federated repository.   You should check the settings for your security domain and manually correct the configuration setting, or delete the migrated profile and repeat the migration process after applying the interim fix or Fix pack containing PH01746. 

For V9.0.0.0 through 9.0.0.9:
· Upgrade to minimal fix pack levels as required by interim fix and then apply Interim Fix PH01746
--OR--
· Apply Fix Pack 9.0.0.10 or later.

For V8.5.0.0 through 8.5.5.14:
· Upgrade to minimal fix pack levels as required by interim fix  and then apply Interim Fix PH01746
--OR--
· Apply Fix Pack 8.5.5.15 or later.

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Important Note

IBM strongly suggests that all System z customers be subscribed to the System z Security Portal to receive the latest critical System z security and integrity service. If you are not subscribed, see the instructions on the System z Security web site. Security and integrity APARs and associated fixes will be posted to this portal. IBM suggests reviewing the CVSS scores and applying all security or integrity fixes as soon as possible to minimize any potential risk.

References

Off

Change History

29 November 2018: original document published

*The CVSS Environment Score is customer environment specific and will ultimately impact the Overall CVSS Score. Customers can evaluate the impact of this vulnerability in their environments by accessing the links in the Reference section of this Security Bulletin.

Disclaimer

Review the IBM security bulletin disclaimer and definitions regarding your responsibilities for assessing potential impact of security vulnerabilities to your environment.

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Document Information

Modified date:
06 March 2019

UID

ibm10735767