CVE-2013-5449 in FileNet Content Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in workingSet.jsp in IBM Eclipse Help System (IEHS), as used in the installable InfoCenter component in IBM FileNet Content Manager 4.5.1, 5.0.0, 5.1.0, and 5.2.0, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5449 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within IBM Eclipse Help System's workingSet.jsp component, which is integral to the installable InfoCenter functionality in IBM FileNet Content Manager versions 4.5.1 through 5.2.0. This security weakness resides in the web application's handling of user-supplied input within the help system interface, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute unauthorized code within the context of authenticated user sessions. The vulnerability specifically affects the InfoCenter component that provides help documentation and system information to users interacting with the FileNet Content Manager platform, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on this enterprise content management solution.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the workingSet.jsp file, which processes and displays user-provided data without sufficient sanitization measures. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious payloads that are then executed when other users view the affected help content, potentially allowing for session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized administrative actions. The unspecified vectors indicate that multiple input points within the help system could be compromised, suggesting that the vulnerability may exist across various user interaction points within the InfoCenter interface rather than being limited to a single entry point. This broad attack surface increases the likelihood of successful exploitation and makes comprehensive mitigation more challenging for system administrators.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform sophisticated attacks against authenticated users within the FileNet Content Manager environment. Successful exploitation could allow threat actors to access sensitive business information, manipulate content management workflows, or escalate privileges within the system. Given that FileNet Content Manager is typically deployed in enterprise environments where sensitive data is managed, the potential for data breaches or service disruption is substantial. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the platform, meaning organizations across different maintenance cycles could be exposed, complicating remediation efforts and potentially requiring widespread patch management across various system deployments.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to address this vulnerability, beginning with immediate patch application from IBM to resolve the underlying XSS flaw in the Eclipse Help System component. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional protection by monitoring and filtering malicious traffic targeting the vulnerable help system interfaces. Input validation should be strengthened at all user-facing entry points, with proper output encoding implemented to prevent script execution in help content displays. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in help system usage that might indicate exploitation attempts. According to CWE guidelines, this vulnerability maps to CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK techniques involving web application exploitation and credential theft through malicious web content. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the FileNet platform and ensure comprehensive protection against evolving attack vectors.