CVE-2012-3322 in SmartCloud Control Desk
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in IBM Maximo Asset Management 6.2 through 7.5, Maximo Asset Management Essentials 6.2 through 7.5, Tivoli Asset Management for IT 6.2 through 7.2, Tivoli Service Request Manager 7.1 and 7.2, Maximo Service Desk 6.2, Change and Configuration Management Database (CCMDB) 7.1 and 7.2, and SmartCloud Control Desk 7.5 allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors related to a display name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2017
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within multiple IBM Maximo product lines including Asset Management, Service Request Manager, and Control Desk versions ranging from 6.2 through 7.5. The flaw specifically affects the handling of display names in user interface components, creating a persistent security weakness that allows authenticated attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms when processing user-provided display name data, which is then rendered in web pages without proper sanitization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of user-controllable input parameters within the display name fields of various Maximo applications. When authenticated users submit display names containing malicious script code, the system fails to adequately sanitize this input before rendering it in the web interface. This creates an environment where attackers can execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or privilege escalation. The vulnerability is classified as a reflected XSS attack vector according to CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-3322 extends beyond simple data corruption or unauthorized access, as it can enable attackers to manipulate the application's user interface and potentially escalate privileges. Remote authenticated users can leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious payloads that persist across user sessions, allowing for long-term exploitation. Attackers could craft display names containing malicious scripts that execute whenever other users view the affected pages, potentially compromising entire user sessions. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content, and T1059.007 for command and control through script-based payloads.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms across all user-controllable fields, particularly those used for display names. Organizations should deploy proper HTML escaping and sanitization routines to prevent script injection attempts, while also implementing strict access controls and monitoring for suspicious user activities. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to patched versions of the affected IBM Maximo products, as IBM has released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Additionally, security awareness training for administrators and developers regarding XSS prevention techniques, including the use of Content Security Policy headers and proper input sanitization practices, should be implemented to reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities in the future.