CVE-2016-0895 in RSA Data Loss Prevention
Summary
by MITRE
EMC RSA Data Loss Prevention 9.6 before SP2 P5 allows remote attackers to conduct clickjacking attacks via web-site elements with crafted transparency or opacity.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2022
The CVE-2016-0895 vulnerability affects EMC RSA Data Loss Prevention version 9.6 before SP2 P5, presenting a significant security risk through clickjacking attacks that exploit web interface elements. This flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate user interactions by overlaying malicious content over legitimate interface elements, potentially leading to unauthorized actions. The vulnerability specifically targets the transparency and opacity properties of web elements within the RSA Data Loss Prevention console, which is commonly used for managing data loss prevention policies and monitoring sensitive data flows. Organizations utilizing this security solution face potential exposure to unauthorized administrative actions, policy modifications, or data access violations when users interact with compromised web interfaces.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient protection mechanisms within the web application's user interface components. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that load the RSA Data Loss Prevention interface within hidden or transparent iframes, overlaying them with deceptive content that appears to be legitimate interface elements. When users attempt to interact with what they believe are normal interface controls, their clicks are actually directed to the underlying malicious elements. The vulnerability leverages the browser's ability to render elements with varying transparency levels, where elements with opacity values below 100% can be manipulated to create deceptive user experiences. This technique exploits the fundamental trust users place in web application interfaces, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where administrators frequently interact with sensitive security management tools.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-0895 extends beyond simple user interface confusion, potentially enabling attackers to perform administrative actions within the RSA Data Loss Prevention system. An attacker could potentially modify data loss prevention policies, access sensitive monitoring information, or manipulate security controls without proper authentication. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for organizations that rely heavily on RSA Data Loss Prevention for protecting critical data assets, as it could allow unauthorized individuals to bypass security controls and potentially exfiltrate sensitive information. The attack vector requires user interaction, making social engineering a critical component of successful exploitation, but once executed, the consequences can be severe for data integrity and security posture.
Organizations should immediately apply the available patch for EMC RSA Data Loss Prevention 9.6 SP2 P5 to address this vulnerability, as it represents a critical security risk that can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication. The mitigation strategy should include implementing proper content security policies that prevent the application from being embedded within iframes, along with educating administrators about the risks of clicking on suspicious links or visiting untrusted websites. Network segmentation and monitoring for unusual administrative activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability violates security standards such as those outlined in the CWE-1021 category for improper focus management, and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation through web interface manipulation. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as iframe sandboxing, proper header configurations, and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other web applications within their infrastructure.