CVE-2011-1558 in WEBi
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the IBM Web Interface for Content Management (aka WEBi) 1.0.4 before FP3 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2010-1242.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2019
The CVE-2011-1558 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in IBM Web Interface for Content Management version 1.0.4 prior to fix pack three. This vulnerability specifically affects the WEBi component of IBM's content management suite, which provides web-based interfaces for content creation and management operations. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of authenticated user sessions, potentially compromising the security of web applications that rely on this interface for content delivery and management functions. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability occurs through unspecified input vectors within the WEBi interface, allowing attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML code into the application's response. Unlike CVE-2010-1242 which addressed different attack vectors, this vulnerability specifically targets the input handling mechanisms of the content management web interface. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that are then executed when legitimate users view affected pages, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized content modification. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can be leveraged to bypass security controls and escalate privileges within the content management environment. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.008 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell and T1566.001 Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access through malicious script injection.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1558 is significant for organizations utilizing IBM WEBi for content management, particularly those handling sensitive information or requiring strict access controls. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to manipulate content, steal user credentials, or redirect users to malicious sites without their knowledge. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network presence to exploit the flaw. Organizations may experience data integrity issues, unauthorized content modifications, and potential compliance violations if the content management system handles regulated information. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the web interface, potentially disrupting content delivery and management operations while providing attackers with covert access channels. Security teams must consider the implications for user trust, as compromised sessions could lead to unauthorized modifications of critical content or exposure of confidential information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1558 should prioritize immediate implementation of IBM's recommended fix pack three, which addresses the specific XSS vulnerabilities in the WEBi interface. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom web applications that interface with content management systems. Regular security assessments and penetration testing of web interfaces should be conducted to identify potential injection points. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to detect and block malicious payloads. Security awareness training for administrators should emphasize the importance of keeping content management systems updated and monitoring for suspicious activities in web interfaces. The vulnerability highlights the necessity of implementing secure coding practices, particularly around user input handling, and following OWASP Top Ten security guidelines for web application development. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers and regular security audits to prevent similar injection vulnerabilities in their web applications and content management infrastructure.