#VU99600 Path traversal in IBM WebSphere Application Server - CVE-2021-20354

Vulnerability identifier: #VU99600

Vulnerability risk: Medium

CVSSv4.0: 6.6 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Green]

CVE-ID: CVE-2021-20354

CWE-ID: CWE-22

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
IBM WebSphere Application Server
Server applications / Application servers

Vendor: IBM Corporation

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to perform directory traversal attacks.

The vulnerability exists due to input validation error when processing directory traversal sequences. A remote attacker can send a specially-crafted URL request containing "dot dot" sequences (/../) to view arbitrary files on the system.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

IBM WebSphere Application Server: 8.0, 8.5, 9.0

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External links
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/194883
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6415959

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.