CVE-2021-20517: ibm websphere_application_server_nd Path Traversal

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2021-20517 is a high (CVSS 8.8) Path Traversal vulnerability in ibm websphere_application_server_nd. EPSS estimates a 1.86% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 79% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 07-06-2021
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 17-09-2024
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

IBM WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment 8.5 and 9.0 could allow a remote authenticated attacker to traverse directories. An attacker could send a specially-crafted URL request containing "dot dot" sequences (/../) to read and delete arbitrary files on the system. IBM X-Force ID: 198435.

• CWE-22Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.