CVE-2013-0518 in Sterling Secure Proxy
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Sterling Secure Proxy 3.2.0 and 3.3.01 before 3.3.01.23 Interim Fix 1, 3.4.0 before 3.4.0.6 Interim Fix 1, and 3.4.1 before 3.4.1.7 does not refuse to be rendered in different-origin frames, which makes it easier for remote attackers to conduct clickjacking attacks via a crafted web site.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0518 affects IBM Sterling Secure Proxy versions 3.2.0 through 3.4.1, specifically before certain interim fixes were applied. This security flaw resides in the web application's frame rendering behavior and represents a significant concern for web application security. The issue stems from the application's failure to implement proper frame embedding restrictions, which creates an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate how the application appears within web browsers.
The technical flaw manifests through the absence of proper Content Security Policy (CSP) headers or X-Frame-Options directives in the application's HTTP responses. When a web application does not explicitly prohibit its rendering within iframe elements from different origins, it becomes vulnerable to clickjacking attacks. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-1021, which specifically addresses "Improper Restriction of Rendered UI Layers or Frames," and aligns with the broader category of UI redressing attacks that fall under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1185 for "Man in the Browser". The vulnerability exists because the application's security configuration does not enforce a strict policy that prevents the application from being embedded in external web pages.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it enables attackers to create malicious web pages that embed the IBM Sterling Secure Proxy application within invisible or deceptive frames. When users navigate to these crafted websites, they may unknowingly interact with the embedded application while believing they are interacting with legitimate content. This creates a scenario where attackers can harvest credentials, perform unauthorized transactions, or manipulate application functionality through user interaction with the embedded interface. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for sophisticated social engineering attacks where users are tricked into performing actions they would not normally consent to, making it a critical concern for enterprise security.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper frame restriction mechanisms within the IBM Sterling Secure Proxy application. Organizations should deploy X-Frame-Options headers with values such as DENY or SAMEORIGIN in all HTTP responses from the application. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers with frame-ancestors directives provides more robust protection against clickjacking attacks. IBM recommended applying the specific interim fixes mentioned in the vulnerability description, including 3.3.01.23 Interim Fix 1, 3.4.0.6 Interim Fix 1, and 3.4.1.7, which contain the necessary code modifications to address this security weakness. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive penetration testing to verify that no other applications within their environment suffer from similar frame embedding vulnerabilities, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security configuration issues that may affect other web applications.