CVE-2015-1980 in InfoSphere Master Data Management
Summary
by MITRE
IBM InfoSphere Master Data Management Collaborative Edition 9.1, 10.1, 11.0, 11.3, and 11.4 before FP03 allows remote authenticated users to conduct clickjacking attacks via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2018
IBM InfoSphere Master Data Management Collaborative Edition versions 9.1, 10.1, 11.0, 11.3, and 11.4 before fix pack 03 contain a clickjacking vulnerability that enables remote authenticated attackers to execute unauthorized actions through deceptive user interface interactions. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) and related clickjacking flaws. The issue manifests when authenticated users navigate to maliciously crafted web pages that overlay legitimate application interfaces, tricking users into performing unintended operations within the vulnerable MDM environment. Attackers can exploit this weakness by creating malicious web pages that embed the vulnerable MDM application within invisible or misleading frames, causing unsuspecting users to inadvertently trigger administrative functions or data modifications.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient protection mechanisms against overlay attacks and inadequate frame-busting controls within the web application's user interface components. When users authenticate to the MDM system, they establish a session that remains active even when interacting with malicious web content. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to implement proper security headers such as X-Frame-Options or Content Security Policy directives that would prevent the application from being embedded within other web pages. This weakness allows attackers to create clickjacking scenarios where users might unknowingly perform actions like modifying master data records, changing user permissions, or executing administrative commands through carefully crafted deceptive interfaces. The impact is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where MDM systems manage critical business data and user access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized data modification to encompass potential compromise of entire master data management workflows. Attackers could exploit this weakness to manipulate customer data, alter product catalogs, modify supplier information, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive business intelligence. In collaborative environments where multiple users interact with the MDM system, the risk amplifies as attackers can target various user roles including administrators, data stewards, and business users. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on the collaborative features of InfoSphere MDM, as these functionalities often require elevated privileges and present attractive targets for exploitation. Additionally, the presence of this vulnerability in multiple versions of the software indicates a systemic issue that could persist across extended deployment lifecycles, making it a persistent threat to organizations with legacy systems.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided fix pack 03 or later versions that address this clickjacking vulnerability. Security teams should also deploy web application firewalls with clickjacking protection capabilities and ensure that all web applications implement proper X-Frame-Options headers with values set to DENY or SAMEORIGIN. Network segmentation and user access controls should be reviewed to limit the impact of potential exploitation, while security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of clicking on suspicious links or visiting untrusted websites. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script interpreter and T1566.001 for credential access through phishing, as attackers may use this weakness as part of broader exploitation campaigns. Regular security assessments should include verification of clickjacking protections and review of web application security headers to ensure ongoing compliance with security best practices and industry standards.