CVE-2016-0207 in Algorithmics One-Algo Risk Application
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Algorithmics One-Algo Risk Application (ARA) 4.9.1 through 5.1.0 allows remote authenticated users to conduct clickjacking attacks via unspecified vectors. IBM X-Force ID: 109399.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0207 affects IBM Algorithmics One-Algo Risk Application version 4.9.1 through 5.1.0, representing a significant security weakness that enables remote authenticated attackers to execute clickjacking attacks. This vulnerability resides within the web-based user interface of the risk application, which is commonly deployed in financial institutions and regulatory compliance environments where risk management and algorithmic modeling are critical operations. The affected system provides a web-based interface for risk analysts and compliance officers to interact with complex financial models and risk assessment tools, making it a valuable target for cyber adversaries seeking to exploit user interactions within the application.
Clickjacking attacks exploit the vulnerability by tricking authenticated users into performing unintended actions through malicious web pages that overlay legitimate application interfaces. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the vulnerability description suggest that the attack can occur through various methods including iframe injection, transparent layer manipulation, or other techniques that cause the user's browser to render the application interface in a manner that conceals the malicious overlay. This allows attackers to capture user credentials, execute unauthorized transactions, or manipulate risk data through seemingly legitimate application interactions. The vulnerability specifically affects the user interface components that handle authentication and user interaction, creating opportunities for attackers to leverage the trust relationship between authenticated users and the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as risk applications like IBM ARA handle sensitive financial data and regulatory reporting information. An attacker who successfully executes a clickjacking attack could potentially manipulate risk assessments, alter financial models, or gain unauthorized access to confidential risk data that could compromise regulatory compliance and financial decision-making processes. The authenticated nature of the attack means that attackers do not need to bypass authentication mechanisms, but rather exploit the trust relationship that exists between legitimate users and the application interface. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users maintain elevated privileges and access to critical financial systems.
Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including the deployment of Content Security Policy headers to prevent frame embedding, implementation of X-Frame-Options headers to control frame rendering, and regular security assessments of web applications. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-1021, which describes improper restriction of rendering of web content, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing user interface security controls, such as frame busting scripts, and conducting regular penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in web-based risk management systems. The IBM X-Force ID 109399 provides additional context for the specific attack vectors and exploitation methods that have been documented for this vulnerability, emphasizing the need for proactive security measures in financial risk applications.