H3-2025-0035
IBM WebSphere Portal SSRF Vulnerability
| Category | SECURITY_MISCONFIGURATION |
| Base Score | 8.5 |
Description
IBM WebSphere Portal is vulnerable to a Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) attack that permits an attacker to manipulate internal HTTP proxy endpoints to make unauthorized requests to internal and external systems. This vulnerability arises from insufficient validation and sanitization of user-supplied input when constructing the target URL for proxying requests. An attacker can craft malicious URLs that exploit this behavior, allowing them to bypass intended network boundaries, access internal resources, and potentially chain the attack with other vulnerabilities for further exploitation. The vulnerability is typically identified by sending specially crafted requests to endpoints such as /docpicker/internal_proxy/http/example.com and /wps/PA_WCM_Authoring_UI/proxy/http/example.com. In successful exploitation scenarios, the attacker might retrieve sensitive internal information, perform internal network reconnaissance, or even conduct follow-on attacks that result in unauthorized actions. The challenge stems from the improper configuration of the proxy mechanism within WebSphere Portal that does not sufficiently restrict outgoing or internal requests. Consequently, the risk extends beyond mere exposure of internal endpoints, potentially leading to unauthorized access or lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Organizations using IBM WebSphere Portal should consider this vulnerability critical and assess their environments for similar misconfigurations and inadequate input validation mechanisms.
Impact
If exploited, the SSRF vulnerability can allow attackers to perform unauthorized internal requests, access sensitive data, disrupt internal network services, or establish a foothold for more advanced attacks within the targeted network.