CVE-2014-6076 in Security Access Manager for Web
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Access Manager for Mobile 8.x before 8.0.1 and Security Access Manager for Web 7.x before 7.0.0 FP10 and 8.x before 8.0.1 allow remote attackers to conduct clickjacking attacks via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6076 affects IBM Security Access Manager for Mobile versions 8.x prior to 8.0.1 and Security Access Manager for Web versions 7.x prior to 7.0.0 Fix Pack 10, as well as 8.x versions before 8.0.1. This security flaw enables remote attackers to execute clickjacking attacks through maliciously crafted websites that manipulate user interactions with the affected applications. The vulnerability stems from inadequate protection mechanisms within the web interfaces of these security products, specifically failing to implement proper countermeasures against overlay attacks where malicious content can be positioned to deceive users into performing unintended actions. The issue is categorized under CWE-1021, which defines improper restriction of rendering of components, representing a critical weakness in web application security that allows attackers to manipulate the user interface elements through techniques such as frame injection and overlay positioning. The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers to perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users, potentially leading to privilege escalation, session hijacking, or data manipulation within the security management environment.
Clickjacking attacks exploit the trust relationship between users and web applications by tricking users into clicking on disguised elements that appear to be legitimate interface components. In the context of IBM Security Access Manager systems, this vulnerability enables attackers to craft deceptive web pages that overlay transparent or invisible elements on top of legitimate authentication or management interfaces. When users attempt to interact with what they believe to be normal application controls, they unknowingly engage with malicious overlays that can perform unauthorized operations such as changing user permissions, modifying security policies, or accessing restricted administrative functions. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can bypass traditional authentication mechanisms since the user is already authenticated within the legitimate application context. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1056.001, which describes input injection attacks including clickjacking, where adversaries manipulate the user interface to execute malicious actions. The attack typically involves the use of iframe elements positioned strategically to overlay legitimate application components, creating a deceptive user experience that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to sensitive security functions.
The security implications extend beyond simple user interface manipulation to encompass potential compromise of the entire security infrastructure managed by IBM Security Access Manager. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform actions such as adding or removing users from access groups, modifying authentication policies, or altering access control rules that govern the security environment. The lack of proper clickjacking protection mechanisms means that even authenticated users can be deceived into performing malicious operations through carefully crafted web pages that exploit the browser's rendering behavior. Organizations using these vulnerable versions of IBM Security Access Manager face a heightened risk of unauthorized access to their security configurations, potentially leading to complete compromise of their access control systems. The vulnerability represents a critical gap in the security model of these applications, as it allows attackers to exploit the trust users place in legitimate web interfaces without requiring additional authentication credentials or exploiting underlying application logic flaws. Remediation efforts must include implementing proper frame-busting techniques, utilizing X-Frame-Options headers, and deploying Content Security Policy directives to prevent the embedding of malicious content within the application interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing user awareness training to help identify potentially malicious web interactions that could be part of clickjacking attacks targeting their security management systems.