CVE-2020-4464 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2020-4464 affecting IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0. Understand the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps for this high-severity vulnerability.
IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 are vulnerable to remote code execution via specially-crafted serialized objects over the SOAP connector.
Understanding CVE-2020-4464
This CVE involves a high-severity vulnerability in IBM WebSphere Application Server that could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely.
What is CVE-2020-4464?
IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 traditional are susceptible to a remote code execution exploit through a specific sequence of serialized objects over the SOAP connector.
The Impact of CVE-2020-4464
- CVSS Base Score: 8.8 (High)
- Attack Vector: Network
- Confidentiality Impact: High
- Integrity Impact: High
- Availability Impact: High
- Exploit Code Maturity: Unproven
- User Interaction: None
- This vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-4464
This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in IBM WebSphere Application Server allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code by manipulating serialized objects over the SOAP connector.
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
The vulnerability can be exploited by sending a specially-crafted sequence of serialized objects over the SOAP connector to the target system.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2020-4464 requires immediate action and long-term security measures.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply official fixes provided by IBM to address the vulnerability.
- Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity.
- Restrict access to the SOAP connector to trusted entities only.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch the WebSphere Application Server to prevent future vulnerabilities.
- Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address any weaknesses.
Patching and Updates
- IBM has released official fixes to mitigate the vulnerability in affected versions of WebSphere Application Server.