CVE-2013-4059 in InfoSphere Information Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in IBM InfoSphere Information Server 8.x through 8.5 FP3, 8.7.x through 8.7 FP2, and 9.1.x through 9.1.2.0 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified interfaces.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4059 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting multiple versions of IBM InfoSphere Information Server software. This vulnerability resides within the web interface components of the information server platform, which serves as a comprehensive data integration and governance solution for enterprise environments. The affected versions span across the 8.x series through 8.5 FP3, 8.7.x series through 8.7 FP2, and 9.1.x series through 9.1.2.0, indicating a widespread impact across the product lifecycle. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of authenticated user sessions, potentially compromising the security of sensitive enterprise data environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web interfaces of IBM InfoSphere Information Server. Attackers can exploit these weaknesses by injecting malicious scripts through unspecified interfaces, which then get executed when legitimate users access affected pages. This class of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to bypass the normal security boundaries that protect web applications from malicious input, creating a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation within the enterprise network.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-4059 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to manipulate the information server's user interface and potentially access sensitive data or perform unauthorized operations. In enterprise environments where IBM InfoSphere Information Server is used for data governance, integration, and management, this vulnerability could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical business data, modify data flows, or establish persistent access points within the organization's data infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these information servers often handle sensitive enterprise data, including customer information, financial records, and proprietary business intelligence. The vulnerability can be exploited without requiring authentication for certain interfaces, making it especially dangerous as it allows attackers to compromise systems that may be considered secure due to their administrative nature.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the latest security patches released by IBM, implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious content, and conducting thorough security assessments of all interfaces that may be exposed to untrusted input. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can use the XSS flaw to execute malicious scripts within user browsers. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to prevent unauthorized script execution, conducting regular security testing of web interfaces, and establishing proper input validation controls. The remediation process should include not only patching the specific vulnerability but also reviewing and strengthening the overall web application security posture to prevent similar issues in other components of the information server ecosystem.