CVE-2014-6197 in Security Network Protection Xgs
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Network Protection 5.1.x and 5.2.x before 5.2.0.0 FP5 and 5.3.x before 5.3.0.0 FP1 allows remote attackers to conduct clickjacking attacks via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6197 affects IBM Security Network Protection versions 5.1.x through 5.2.x prior to 5.2.0.0 FP5 and 5.3.x prior to 5.3.0.0 FP1. This security flaw enables remote attackers to execute clickjacking attacks against systems utilizing these network protection components. Clickjacking represents a sophisticated web-based attack vector where malicious actors deceive users into interacting with web applications or interfaces that they believe to be legitimate, while actually performing unintended actions. The vulnerability manifests through unspecified vectors within the IBM Security Network Protection framework, suggesting that the attack surface may encompass multiple interface components or application modules.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate protection mechanisms against user interface interactions that could be manipulated through malicious web page construction. Attackers can create deceptive web pages that overlay legitimate interface elements with invisible or transparent layers designed to capture user clicks. These clickjacking attacks exploit the browser's inability to distinguish between legitimate and malicious user interactions when multiple layers of interface elements are present. The vulnerability's presence in IBM Security Network Protection versions indicates that the authentication and authorization mechanisms within these systems may not sufficiently validate user interactions or may lack proper protection against overlay attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations relying on IBM Security Network Protection for their network security infrastructure. Attackers could potentially manipulate administrative functions, access sensitive configuration data, or perform unauthorized operations through deceptive interfaces. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to encompass potential system compromise, unauthorized access to network resources, and disruption of security operations. Organizations may face unauthorized changes to security policies, credential exposure, or manipulation of network protection settings that could leave their infrastructure vulnerable to further attacks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-1021, which specifically addresses "Improper Restriction of Rendered UI Layers or Frames," and represents a classic example of UI redressing attacks that have been documented in various security frameworks. This flaw also correlates with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol: DNS, indicating that such vulnerabilities can be leveraged to manipulate user interactions within network security applications. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to address this vulnerability, as the timeframe for exploitation is minimal once the attack vectors are understood. Security teams should also implement additional monitoring for suspicious user interactions and consider deploying content security policies to mitigate potential clickjacking attempts against the affected IBM Security Network Protection interfaces.