CVE-2013-3041 in Rational ClearQuest
Summary
by MITRE
The Web Client in IBM Rational ClearQuest 7.1 before 7.1.2.12, 8.0 before 8.0.0.8, and 8.0.1 before 8.0.1.1 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information from the client-server data stream via unspecified vectors associated with a "JSON hijacking attack."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3041 affects IBM Rational ClearQuest web client components across multiple version ranges including 7.1 before 7.1.2.12, 8.0 before 8.0.0.8, and 8.0.1 before 8.0.1.1. This security flaw represents a critical information disclosure vulnerability that enables remote attackers to extract sensitive data from client-server communications through JSON hijacking techniques. The vulnerability stems from insufficient protection mechanisms within the web client's data handling processes, creating an attack surface where unauthorized parties can intercept and analyze transmitted information. The affected versions demonstrate a failure in implementing proper security controls for data transmission protocols, particularly concerning how JSON data is processed and secured during client-server interactions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the web client's inadequate defense against JSON hijacking attacks, which typically exploit weaknesses in how JSON data is serialized and transmitted between client and server components. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to capture sensitive information flowing through the data stream, potentially including authentication credentials, user data, or system configuration details. The unspecified vectors associated with this attack suggest that multiple pathways exist for exploitation, making the vulnerability particularly concerning as it may be accessible through various attack vectors. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure issues, and represents a significant weakness in the application's data protection mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-3041 extends beyond simple data disclosure, as the compromised information could enable further attacks within the target environment. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain insights into system architecture, user behavior patterns, and potentially access credentials that could facilitate privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. The affected IBM Rational ClearQuest environment becomes vulnerable to reconnaissance activities where attackers can map out system components and identify potential targets for additional exploitation. This vulnerability particularly impacts organizations relying on ClearQuest for configuration management and change control processes, as the exposed data could compromise the integrity of their development and deployment workflows.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided patches and updates for the specific ClearQuest versions mentioned in the CVE description. The security controls should focus on strengthening the web client's data transmission security by implementing proper JSON data validation, input sanitization, and secure communication protocols. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual data transmission patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against JSON hijacking attacks. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their ClearQuest implementations to identify and remediate any additional vulnerabilities that may exist in related components or integrated systems, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors that align with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1566 for credential access through network attacks.