CVE-2015-4960 in InfoSphere Master Data Management
Summary
by MITRE
IBM InfoSphere Master Data Management - Collaborative Edition 9.1, 10.1, 11.0 before 11.0.0.0 IF11, 11.3 before 11.3.0.0 IF7, and 11.4 before 11.4.0.4 IF1 allows remote authenticated users to conduct clickjacking attacks via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4960 affects IBM InfoSphere Master Data Management - Collaborative Edition versions 9.1, 10.1, 11.0 before 11.0.0.0 IF11, 11.3 before 11.3.0.0 IF7, and 11.4 before 11.4.0.4 IF1. This represents a significant security flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to execute clickjacking attacks through maliciously crafted websites. The vulnerability resides within the web-based interface of the master data management platform, which is commonly used for managing and integrating critical business data across organizations.
Clickjacking attacks exploit the way web browsers render content by tricking users into clicking on elements that appear to be part of a legitimate interface but are actually hidden beneath transparent or opaque layers. In this case, the vulnerability allows attackers to create malicious websites that overlay legitimate UI elements from the IBM InfoSphere platform, causing unsuspecting users to perform unintended actions when they click on what they believe to be normal interface elements. The attack vector requires authentication to the system, meaning that only users with valid credentials can be targeted, but this still represents a serious risk as it can lead to unauthorized data manipulation or system compromise.
The technical flaw stems from the absence of proper clickjacking protection mechanisms in the web application's user interface components. According to CWE-1021, this vulnerability maps to the weakness of insufficient clickjacking protection, where web applications fail to implement adequate security headers or defensive measures against overlay attacks. The affected versions of IBM InfoSphere Master Data Management do not properly implement the X-Frame-Options header or similar protections that would prevent the application from being embedded within other websites. This allows attackers to create frames or iframes that contain the vulnerable application interface, enabling them to capture user interactions and potentially manipulate system state.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial for organizations using IBM InfoSphere Master Data Management, as it could enable attackers to perform unauthorized operations within the master data management environment. Given that master data management systems typically handle critical business data including customer information, product catalogs, and supplier details, a successful clickjacking attack could result in data corruption, unauthorized access to sensitive information, or manipulation of master data records. The attack requires users to be authenticated to the system, which means that the vulnerability could be exploited in scenarios where users are tricked into visiting malicious sites while logged into their work systems, potentially leading to data integrity issues that could affect business operations and compliance requirements.
Organizations should immediately apply the relevant security patches released by IBM to address this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation includes updating to the patched versions of IBM InfoSphere Master Data Management - Collaborative Edition, specifically versions 11.0.0.0 IF11, 11.3.0.0 IF7, and 11.4.0.4 IF1. Additionally, system administrators should implement proper security headers including X-Frame-Options and Content Security Policy directives to prevent clickjacking attacks across all web applications. Organizations should also consider implementing user awareness training to help employees recognize potentially malicious websites and avoid clicking on suspicious links. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for spearphishing via web application, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures beyond just patch management. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies and proper web application security controls to protect against sophisticated attack vectors that exploit user interface components.