CVE-2013-4047 in SPSS Analytical Decision Management
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in IBM SPSS Analytical Decision Management 6.1 before IF1, 6.2 before IF1, and 7.0 before FP1 IF6 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4047 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting IBM SPSS Analytical Decision Management versions 6.1 through 6.2 and 7.0 prior to specific interim fixes. This vulnerability resides within the web application framework of the analytics platform, specifically in how it processes and validates user-supplied input when handling link parameters. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of a victim's browser session, potentially compromising user data and system integrity. The affected versions demonstrate a lack of proper input sanitization mechanisms that should validate and escape special characters in URL parameters and link structures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user-provided data within the application's web interface. When the system processes a crafted link containing malicious script code, it fails to properly sanitize the input before rendering it in the browser context. This allows attackers to inject HTML content and JavaScript code that executes in the victim's browser when the malformed link is clicked. The vulnerability specifically impacts the application's handling of link parameters, where user-controllable data flows directly into the web response without adequate security controls. According to CWE classification, this represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability categorized under CWE-79, which deals with improper neutralization of input during web page generation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive user information and session data. An attacker could craft malicious links that steal cookies, session tokens, or other authentication credentials from users interacting with the application. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to the system or network, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where analytics platforms handle sensitive business data. This vulnerability could enable attackers to perform actions on behalf of authenticated users, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized access to analytical reports, or manipulation of decision management processes. The attack surface is broad as any user who clicks on a malicious link within the application's ecosystem becomes a potential victim, particularly in collaborative environments where users frequently share links and resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4047 should prioritize immediate patch application from IBM, as the vendor has released specific fixes for the affected versions. Organizations must ensure that all instances of IBM SPSS Analytical Decision Management are updated to the latest available interim fixes, particularly IF1 for 6.1 and 6.2 versions, and FP1 IF6 for version 7.0. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be implemented to detect and block malicious link patterns. Input validation controls should be strengthened at the application level, with proper HTML escaping and sanitization routines implemented for all user-supplied parameters. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected systems within their environment and establish monitoring procedures to detect suspicious link activity. Organizations utilizing this platform should also consider implementing strict access controls and user education programs to reduce the risk of successful exploitation through social engineering tactics. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers spearphishing with a link, emphasizing the importance of both technical and user awareness defenses.