CVE-2012-2294 in RSA Archer GRC
Summary
by MITRE
EMC RSA Archer SmartSuite Framework 4.x and RSA Archer GRC 5.x before 5.2SP1 allow remote attackers to conduct clickjacking attacks via a crafted web page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2294 affects EMC RSA Archer SmartSuite Framework versions 4.x and RSA Archer GRC versions 5.x prior to 5.2SP1, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute clickjacking attacks through maliciously crafted web pages. This vulnerability resides within the web application framework of these enterprise governance, risk, and compliance platforms, which are widely deployed in corporate environments for managing critical business processes and security controls. The affected systems operate under the assumption that legitimate user interactions occur within the expected application context, without proper safeguards against overlay attacks that manipulate user interface elements.
The technical implementation of this clickjacking vulnerability stems from the absence of proper anti-clickjacking protections within the web application's user interface components. Attackers can construct malicious web pages that embed legitimate Archer application interfaces within invisible or transparent iframes, overlaying them with deceptive content that tricks users into performing unintended actions. When users interact with the visible deceptive elements, their clicks are actually registered against the hidden legitimate application interface, potentially allowing unauthorized access to administrative functions, data modification, or privilege escalation. This flaw specifically impacts the web-based user interface components that handle user authentication and authorization workflows within the Archer platform.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to complete compromise of the governance and risk management systems. An attacker could potentially manipulate critical risk assessments, modify compliance data, or gain administrative privileges within the Archer environment, which could result in significant business disruption and regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Archer systems manage sensitive business data, regulatory reporting, and security controls that are critical to organizational operations. Organizations using these older versions face substantial risk exposure as the attack vectors can be easily implemented and executed without requiring advanced technical skills or extensive reconnaissance.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including the deployment of X-Frame-Options headers and Content Security Policy directives to prevent their applications from being embedded within unauthorized frames. The recommended solution involves updating to RSA Archer GRC 5.2SP1 or later versions where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper clickjacking protection mechanisms. Additional defensive measures include implementing user awareness training to recognize suspicious web interactions, conducting regular security assessments of web applications, and establishing robust application security monitoring to detect potential clickjacking attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-1021, which specifically addresses insufficient protection against clickjacking attacks, and represents a common threat pattern categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, though the actual exploitation occurs through web interface manipulation rather than direct command execution. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security testing of web application interfaces to ensure that all user-facing components properly implement anti-clickjacking protections and that no legacy functionality reintroduces similar vulnerabilities.