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Security Bulletin: Denial of Service with WebSphere Application Server (CVE-2016-8919)

Security Bulletin


Summary

There is a potential denial of service with WebSphere Application Server with SOAP connectors.
Important information was added to the Remediation/Fixes section on February 22, 2017.

Vulnerability Details

Important information was added to the Remediation/Fixes section on February 22, 2017.


CVEID: CVE-2016-8919
DESCRIPTION:
IBM WebSphere Application Server may be vulnerable to a denial of service, caused by allowing serialized objects from untrusted sources to run and cause the consumption of resources.
CVSS Base Score: 5.9
CVSS Temporal Score: See https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/118529 for the current score
CVSS Environmental Score*: Undefined
CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H)

Affected Products and Versions

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

  • Version 9.0
  • Version 8.5.5
  • Version 8.0
  • Version 7.0

Remediation/Fixes

The recommended solution is to apply the interim fix, Fix Pack or PTF containing APAR PI73519 for each named product as soon as practical.
For WebSphere Application Server traditional and WebSphere Application Server Hypervisor edition:


For V9.0.0.0 through 9.0.0.3 traditional:

· Upgrade to minimal fix pack levels as required by interim fix and then apply Interim Fix PI73519
--OR--
· Apply Fix Pack 9.0.0.4 or later.

For V8.5.0.0 through 8.5.5.11 traditional:

· Upgrade to minimal fix pack levels as required by interim fix and then apply Interim Fix PI73519
--OR--
· Apply Fix Pack 8.5.5.12 or later.

For V8.0.0.0 through 8.0.0.12 traditional:

· Upgrade to minimal fix pack levels as required by interim fix and then apply Interim Fix PI73519
--OR--
· Apply Fix Pack 8.0.0.14 or later.

For V7.0.0.0 through 7.0.0.41 traditional:

· Upgrade to minimal fix pack levels as required by interim fix and then apply Interim Fix PI73519
--OR--
· Apply Fix Pack 7.0.0.43 or later.


NOTE: There was a potential regression in the interim fixes that were delivered prior to 16 February 2017. If you have the earlier version of the interim fix then you could see the following exception in your Systemout or trace outputs:

Exception in thread "GetNotification_1" java.lang.reflect.

Caused by: SOAPException: faultCode=SOAP-ENV:ServerException;
msg=The Soap RPC call can't be unmarshalled.¨
at com.ibm.ws.management.connector.soap.SOAPConnectorClient.

If you see these exceptions, then download a version of the interim fix dated 17 February 2017 or later.

Workarounds and Mitigations

none

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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

Acknowledgement

Vulnerability reported to IBM by Federico Dotta and Maurizio Agazzini
at @ Mediaservice.net S.r.l.

Change History

17 January 2017: original document published
22 February 2017: note potential regression

*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:
15 June 2018

UID

swg21993797