CVE-2011-1371 in WebSphere ILOG Rule Team Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in content/error.jsp in IBM WebSphere ILOG Rule Team Server 7.1.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors that trigger an Unknown Error document, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-4171.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1371 represents a cross-site scripting weakness within IBM WebSphere ILOG Rule Team Server version 7.1.1 that specifically affects the content/error.jsp component. This flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code through carefully crafted input that triggers the system's Unknown Error document functionality. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the server's error handling mechanism where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered in the error response page, creating an avenue for persistent script injection attacks.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding practices within the error handling subsystem of the IBM WebSphere ILOG Rule Team Server. When the system encounters an unexpected condition that results in an Unknown Error document being generated, the error message processing logic fails to properly escape or filter user-controllable parameters that may be present in the request. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code or HTML elements that will execute in the context of other users who view the error page, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing IBM WebSphere ILOG Rule Team Server 7.1.1, particularly those handling sensitive business logic or rule-based processing. The attack vector is relatively accessible since it only requires triggering an error condition within the system, which can often be accomplished through malformed requests or by exploiting other vulnerabilities in the application stack. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to access user sessions, modify data processing rules, or gain unauthorized access to business-critical decision-making processes that rely on the rule engine. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-79 indicates it falls within the well-known category of cross-site scripting flaws that have been extensively documented in security literature and industry standards.
The security implications extend beyond simple script execution as this vulnerability could serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks within the application environment. Attackers might leverage the XSS capability to establish persistent backdoors, harvest user credentials through credential harvesting scripts, or manipulate the rule processing engine to alter business logic outcomes. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the 'Web Application Attack' domain, specifically within the 'Cross-Site Scripting' technique where adversaries exploit web application flaws to execute malicious scripts in user browsers. Organizations should consider implementing comprehensive input validation, output encoding, and secure coding practices as mitigation strategies, while also ensuring timely patch deployment from IBM to address this specific vulnerability in their WebSphere ILOG Rule Team Server implementations.