CVE-2011-1395 in Maximo Asset Management
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in imicon.jsp in IBM Maximo Asset Management and Asset Management Essentials 6.2, 7.1, and 7.5 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the controlid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1395 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in IBM Maximo Asset Management and Asset Management Essentials versions 6.2, 7.1, and 7.5. This weakness resides within the imicon.jsp component and specifically targets the controlid parameter, creating a significant security risk for organizations utilizing these asset management platforms. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting as a common web application security flaw where malicious scripts are injected into trusted websites. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of a victim's browser session, potentially compromising user data and system integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through improper input validation and output encoding within the imicon.jsp file. When the controlid parameter is processed without adequate sanitization, attackers can craft malicious payloads that bypass security controls and execute within the browser context of legitimate users. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which describes the use of malicious inputs to exploit web applications. The parameter-based injection point suggests that the application fails to properly validate or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic web content, creating an environment where attacker-controlled input can be interpreted as executable code rather than mere data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially access sensitive asset management data, manipulate work orders, or gain unauthorized access to system functionalities that are typically restricted to authorized users. The widespread adoption of IBM Maximo in enterprise environments means that successful exploitation could affect critical business operations, particularly in industries where asset management systems handle sensitive operational data. Organizations relying on these platforms for maintenance scheduling, inventory tracking, and resource allocation face significant risk when this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1395 should prioritize immediate patch application from IBM, as this addresses the root cause through proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payloads targeting parameter injection vulnerabilities. Input validation controls must be strengthened to ensure all user-supplied data undergoes rigorous sanitization before processing, with particular attention to the controlid parameter in the imicon.jsp component. Network segmentation and role-based access controls can help limit the potential damage from successful exploitation, while regular security assessments should verify that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other components of the Maximo platform. The remediation process should also include security awareness training for administrators to recognize potential attack vectors and maintain vigilant monitoring of system logs for suspicious activity patterns associated with XSS attempts.