CVE-2014-3075 in Business Process Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in IBM Business Process Manager (BPM) 7.5.x through 8.5.5 and WebSphere Lombardi Edition 7.2.0.x allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via an uploaded file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3075 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within IBM Business Process Manager versions 7.5 through 8.5.5 and WebSphere Lombardi Edition 7.2.0.x platforms. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data during file upload processes. The vulnerability specifically affects authenticated users who can leverage this weakness to execute malicious scripts within the context of other users' browsers, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on these business process management solutions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is improperly integrated into web pages without proper validation or escaping. The flaw manifests when authenticated users upload files that contain malicious script code, which then gets executed in the browser of other users who access the uploaded content. This type of vulnerability operates under the ATT&CK framework as a web application vulnerability that enables persistent threat actors to establish footholds within target environments through client-side exploitation techniques.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it provides attackers with the capability to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive business process information, and potentially escalate privileges within the BPM environment. The authenticated nature of the attack vector means that adversaries must first obtain valid credentials, but once achieved, they can exploit this weakness to compromise multiple users within the same organization. Organizations utilizing these IBM BPM platforms face significant risks including unauthorized access to business process definitions, workflow data, and potentially sensitive enterprise information that could impact operational continuity and regulatory compliance.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3075 should prioritize immediate implementation of input validation controls and content sanitization measures within the file upload functionality of affected IBM BPM systems. Organizations must ensure that all uploaded files undergo strict validation processes that remove or escape potentially malicious content before storage or presentation. Security patches provided by IBM should be applied immediately to all affected versions, while additional defensive measures such as web application firewalls, enhanced user access controls, and regular security monitoring should be implemented. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining current security practices including regular vulnerability assessments and security awareness training for administrators who manage these critical business process management platforms.