CVE-2014-3011 in OpenPages GRC Platform
Summary
by MITRE
IBM OpenPages GRC Platform 6.1.0.1 before IF4 allows remote attackers to conduct link injection attacks via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3011 affects IBM OpenPages GRC Platform version 6.1.0.1 before IF4, representing a significant security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute link injection attacks. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and cross-site scripting attacks, which are commonly classified under CWE-79 and CWE-601. The affected platform operates within enterprise governance, risk management, and compliance environments where the integrity of data links and navigation paths is critical for maintaining system security and user trust.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the platform's link handling functionality. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating URL parameters or link structures to inject malicious content that redirects users to unauthorized destinations or executes harmful scripts within the context of the vulnerable application. This vulnerability specifically targets the platform's ability to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic links, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate navigation flows and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption or unauthorized access, as it can enable more sophisticated attack vectors such as session hijacking, privilege escalation, and data exfiltration. Organizations using the affected IBM OpenPages platform may experience compromised user sessions, unauthorized system modifications, and potential data breaches that could affect regulatory compliance and business continuity. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple users interact with the platform.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3011 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's codebase, particularly in areas handling user-generated content or dynamic link construction. Organizations should apply the latest security patches provided by IBM as part of the IF4 update or subsequent releases that address this specific vulnerability. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring and filtering suspicious link patterns. Security teams should also conduct thorough code reviews focusing on parameter handling and link generation functions, while implementing proper access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect anomalous link behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers phishing with malicious links, making it particularly relevant for organizations implementing security awareness training programs.