CVE-2009-4239 in InfoSphere Information Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Web console in IBM InfoSphere Information Server 8.1 before FP1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2017
The CVE-2009-4239 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within IBM InfoSphere Information Server 8.1 before fix pack 1, specifically affecting the web console interface. This vulnerability exposes the system to remote code execution risks through malicious script injection attacks that can compromise user sessions and data integrity. The web console serves as the primary administrative interface for managing information server configurations and operations, making it a prime target for attackers seeking unauthorized access to enterprise data environments. The unspecified attack vectors indicate that multiple entry points within the console could be exploited, suggesting a fundamental weakness in input validation and output sanitization mechanisms.
This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web responses. Attackers can leverage this weakness to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or privilege escalation within the information server environment. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to manipulate the web console functionality and access sensitive administrative features.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial for organizations relying on IBM InfoSphere Information Server for data integration and management tasks. Remote attackers could exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to sensitive enterprise data, manipulate server configurations, or establish persistent access points within the organization's information infrastructure. The web console typically handles authentication, authorization, and data processing functions, making it a critical attack surface for adversaries seeking to compromise the entire information server ecosystem. Organizations may experience data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and operational disruptions when this vulnerability is exploited in the wild.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4239 should prioritize immediate deployment of IBM's official fix pack 1 or later versions that address the XSS vulnerability. Organizations must implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the web console interface to prevent malicious script injection. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the web console to untrusted networks. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should verify the effectiveness of implemented controls, while security monitoring systems should be configured to detect suspicious activities related to XSS attack patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and following secure coding practices aligned with industry standards such as those defined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against similar XSS vulnerabilities.