CVE-2016-0305 in Connections
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Connections is vulnerable to cross-site scripting, caused by improper validation of user-supplied input. A remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability using a specially-crafted URL to execute script in a victim's Web browser within the security context of the hosting Web site, once the URL is clicked. An attacker could use this vulnerability to steal the victim's cookie-based authentication credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2020
IBM Connections suffers from a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability that stems from inadequate validation of user-supplied input data. This flaw exists within the web application's input handling mechanisms, where malicious payloads can be injected through improperly sanitized parameters. The vulnerability specifically manifests when users encounter specially crafted URLs that contain malicious script code, which executes automatically in the victim's browser environment when the link is clicked. The attack vector exploits the trust relationship between the victim's browser and the legitimate IBM Connections web application, allowing malicious code to run within the security context of the hosting website.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the victim's browser session, effectively bypassing the normal security boundaries that protect user sessions. When a user clicks the malicious URL, the injected script runs with the same privileges as the legitimate user, potentially compromising the entire session. The vulnerability particularly targets cookie-based authentication mechanisms, enabling attackers to steal session cookies and gain unauthorized access to user accounts without requiring additional credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it creates a persistent threat vector for session hijacking and credential theft. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can impersonate legitimate users, access sensitive data, modify content, and potentially escalate privileges within the IBM Connections environment. The remote exploitation nature of this vulnerability means that attackers can target users from any location without requiring physical access to the network or system. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where IBM Connections serves as a collaboration platform for sensitive business information and confidential communications.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's codebase. Organizations should deploy comprehensive web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script payloads before they reach the application servers. Regular security testing including dynamic application security testing and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies and disabling unnecessary script execution in web applications can significantly reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to established security frameworks such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten project and NIST cybersecurity guidelines to prevent such widespread exploitation opportunities.