CVE-2014-0870 in Algorithmics
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in RICOS in IBM Algo Credit Limits (aka ACLM) 4.5.0 through 4.7.0 before 4.7.0.03 FP5 in IBM Algorithmics allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) the Message parameter to rcore6/main/showerror.jsp, (2) the ButtonsetClass parameter to rcore6/main/buttonset.jsp, (3) the MBName parameter to rcore6/frameset.jsp, (4) the Init parameter to algopds/rcore6/main/browse.jsp, or the (5) Name, (6) StoreName, or (7) STYLESHEET parameter to algopds/rcore6/main/ibrowseheader.jsp.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0870 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting IBM Algo Credit Limits version 4.5.0 through 4.7.0 before 4.7.0.03 FP5 within the RICOS framework. This vulnerability resides in multiple.jsp endpoints that process user-supplied input parameters without proper sanitization or validation, creating persistent entry points for malicious script injection attacks. The affected components include core application interfaces such as showerror.jsp, buttonset.jsp, frameset.jsp, browse.jsp, and ibrowseheader.jsp which handle various user interactions and display contexts. These endpoints serve as primary vectors for attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of authenticated users' browsers, potentially compromising the entire application ecosystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the IBM Algorithmics platform. Attackers can manipulate specific parameters including Message, ButtonsetClass, MBName, Init, Name, StoreName, and STYLESHEET to inject malicious payloads that execute when the affected pages render. The vulnerability manifests as a classic reflected XSS issue where user-controllable data flows directly into the application's response without adequate sanitization. According to CWE classification, this corresponds to CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses the failure to properly encode or escape user input before incorporating it into web page content. The attack surface expands significantly due to the broad range of parameters affected, allowing for multiple attack vectors that can target different functional areas of the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution to potentially enable complete session hijacking, data theft, and unauthorized administrative access within the credit limits application environment. An attacker could leverage these XSS vulnerabilities to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or inject malicious code that persists across user sessions. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the credit limits system, potentially exposing sensitive financial data and compromising the application's trust model. Given that this vulnerability exists in a financial risk management system, the potential for business disruption and regulatory compliance violations is substantial. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where the application handles critical financial information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0870 should prioritize immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding controls across all affected endpoints. Organizations must ensure that all user-supplied parameters undergo rigorous sanitization before being processed or displayed within web interfaces. The recommended approach includes implementing proper HTML escaping for all dynamic content, establishing strict input validation rules, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious payloads. Additionally, IBM released specific patches and fixes for version 4.7.0.03 FP5 that address these vulnerabilities through enhanced parameter validation and secure coding practices. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security testing of the application's web interfaces, including automated scanning and manual penetration testing to verify that all XSS vectors have been properly addressed. Organizations should follow ATT&CK framework guidance for mitigating web application vulnerabilities, particularly focusing on techniques related to input validation and output encoding to prevent similar issues in future deployments.