CVE-2010-3473 in FileNet P8 Application Engine
Summary
by MITRE
Open redirect vulnerability in the Workplace (aka WP) component in IBM FileNet P8 Application Engine (P8AE) 3.5.1 before 3.5.1-021 allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3473 represents a critical open redirect flaw within IBM FileNet P8 Application Engine version 3.5.1 prior to 3.5.1-021. This security weakness specifically affects the Workplace component of the FileNet P8 platform, which serves as a web-based interface for document management and workflow processes. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly verify or filter user-supplied redirect parameters, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to manipulate web navigation behavior.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to craft malicious URLs that contain redirect parameters pointing to arbitrary external domains. When users navigate to these crafted URLs within the context of the FileNet P8 Workplace interface, the application processes the redirect instruction without adequate validation, causing users to be automatically forwarded to attacker-controlled websites. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through various attack vectors including web-based phishing campaigns, social engineering attacks, and malicious link distribution through email or web forums. The vulnerability specifically affects the authentication and navigation flows within the FileNet P8 environment where redirect functionality is implemented to handle user sessions and navigation between different application components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple redirection, creating significant risks for organizations utilizing IBM FileNet P8 systems. Attackers can leverage this weakness to conduct sophisticated phishing operations where users are redirected to fake login pages that closely resemble the legitimate FileNet P8 interface, enabling credential theft and unauthorized access to sensitive document repositories. The vulnerability can also be used to spread malware through malicious redirects, compromise user sessions, and potentially escalate privileges within the FileNet P8 environment. Organizations with extensive document management and workflow processes using FileNet P8 may experience data exposure, compliance violations, and reputational damage when this vulnerability is exploited, as it undermines the trust and security assumptions of the application's user interface.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patch (3.5.1-021) that addresses the open redirect vulnerability in the Workplace component. Network-level controls such as web application firewalls and URL filtering mechanisms can provide additional protection by monitoring and blocking suspicious redirect parameters. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected FileNet P8 versions and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-601 Open Redirect weakness category and maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1566 Phishing tactic, specifically targeting the initial access phase where adversaries establish footholds through deceptive web navigation. Regular security awareness training for users should emphasize the importance of verifying URLs and being cautious of unexpected redirects, particularly when accessing enterprise document management systems that may be vulnerable to such attacks.