CVE-2013-3996 in InfoSphere BigInsights
Summary
by MITRE
IBM InfoSphere BigInsights 1.1 through 2.1 does not properly handle FRAME elements, which makes it easier for remote authenticated users to conduct phishing attacks via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2022
IBM InfoSphere BigInsights versions 1.1 through 2.1 contain a security vulnerability related to improper handling of FRAME elements that creates opportunities for phishing attacks. This flaw exists in the web-based administrative interface of the platform, where the system fails to properly sanitize or validate frame-related HTML elements when processing user-supplied content. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms that allow malicious actors to inject crafted FRAME elements into web pages, potentially leading to cross-site scripting or phishing scenarios. Attackers can leverage this weakness by constructing malicious websites that exploit the frame handling behavior to deceive users into believing they are interacting with legitimate BigInsights administrative interfaces while actually being redirected to attacker-controlled content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses the failure to properly escape or sanitize user-controllable data in web applications. This weakness enables attackers to inject malicious content that can manipulate the browser's frame environment and potentially redirect users to fraudulent sites. The vulnerability affects the web interface components of BigInsights, particularly those responsible for rendering administrative pages and user interface elements that may contain frame-related constructs. The issue is classified as a remote authenticated vulnerability because it requires user authentication to exploit, meaning that an attacker must first gain valid credentials to the BigInsights system before they can leverage this specific weakness.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations using IBM InfoSphere BigInsights, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to conduct sophisticated phishing campaigns against legitimate users. The impact extends beyond simple information theft, as compromised user sessions could potentially lead to unauthorized administrative access or data manipulation. Organizations may face reputational damage if users are successfully deceived into providing credentials or sensitive information through these crafted phishing pages. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where administrators frequently access the web interface and where user authentication is not properly segmented from web-based administrative functions. This weakness represents a significant risk in enterprise environments where BigInsights is used for data processing and analytics, as it could be exploited to gain deeper access to the underlying data infrastructure.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding for all frame-related HTML elements within the web interface. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied content is properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages, particularly in contexts where frame elements are processed. The recommended approach involves implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict frame loading and prevent unauthorized frame injection. Additionally, regular security updates and patches from IBM should be applied promptly to address this vulnerability. Network segmentation and monitoring of administrative interfaces can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access and conducting regular security awareness training to help users identify potential phishing attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1566 Phishing, specifically targeting the credential access phase where attackers attempt to obtain user credentials through deceptive means.