CVE-2016-2967 in Sametime
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Sametime 8.5.2 and 9.0 is vulnerable to cross-site scripting. This vulnerability allows users to embed arbitrary JavaScript code in the Sametime away message altering the intended functionality potentially leading to credentials disclosure within a trusted session. IBM X-Force ID: 113848.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2021
IBM Sametime versions 8.5.2 and 9.0 contain a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a significant security risk to enterprise communication environments. This vulnerability resides in the away message functionality of the Sametime client, which is designed to display status messages when users are not actively using the application. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into these away messages, creating a persistent threat vector that can compromise user sessions and potentially exfiltrate sensitive authentication credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the Sametime client's away message processing mechanism. When users configure away messages, the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied content before rendering it in the client interface. This creates an environment where crafted JavaScript payloads can execute within the context of a user's trusted session, effectively bypassing standard security boundaries. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications and client-side interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables sophisticated attack vectors including session hijacking and credential theft. An attacker who successfully injects malicious JavaScript into an away message can potentially capture authentication tokens, cookies, or other session data when legitimate users view the compromised message. This threat is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Sametime is used for business communications and may contain sensitive information. The vulnerability can be exploited through social engineering tactics where attackers convince users to view malicious away messages, or through automated methods that target vulnerable installations. This attack pattern corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1531 - Account Access Removal, as the compromised session can be used to gain unauthorized access to additional systems and data.
Organizations using IBM Sametime 8.5.2 and 9.0 should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided security patches, implementing network-level controls to monitor for suspicious JavaScript content, and conducting user awareness training to recognize potentially malicious away messages. Additional protective measures include configuring web application firewalls to filter cross-site scripting attempts, implementing content security policies, and establishing monitoring procedures for unusual away message content. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input sanitization in client applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of all user-supplied content processing within enterprise communication platforms. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication and session management controls to reduce the impact of potential credential compromise, as the vulnerability essentially creates a persistent threat vector that can remain active until patched or mitigated through other means.