CVE-2016-2975 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 Web UI thus altering the intended functionality potentially leading to credentials disclosure within a trusted session. IBM X-Force ID: 113935.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2021
IBM Sametime 8.5.2 and 9.0 versions contain a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical security flaw in the web-based user interface component. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The vulnerability allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the web interface, effectively compromising the integrity of the application's user experience and potentially undermining the security posture of the entire system. The flaw exists due to insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web UI components that process user-supplied data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to manipulate the web application's behavior in ways that can lead to credential theft and session hijacking. When users interact with the compromised Sametime interface, any JavaScript code embedded by an attacker can execute within the context of the victim's authenticated session. This presents a significant risk for enterprise environments where Sametime is used for business communications, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to access sensitive information, impersonate legitimate users, and potentially escalate privileges within the organization's communication infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically targets the web UI components that handle user input, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently interact with the application's messaging and collaboration features.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and execution of malicious code within trusted sessions. Attackers could leverage this flaw to establish persistent access to corporate communication channels, potentially intercepting sensitive conversations and data exchanges that occur through the Sametime platform. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise and can be executed through various vectors including malicious links, compromised user accounts, or social engineering campaigns targeting administrators or regular users. Organizations using these vulnerable versions of IBM Sametime face significant exposure risks, as the attack surface includes not only individual user sessions but also the broader communication ecosystem that relies on the platform for business-critical operations.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of IBM's official security patches and updates for the affected versions. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and implementation of web application firewalls to filter malicious payloads. Additionally, security awareness training for users should emphasize the dangers of clicking untrusted links and the importance of verifying the authenticity of communications within the Sametime environment. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure that all components of the Sametime infrastructure remain secure against similar threats. The remediation process should also involve thorough testing of patched environments to ensure that security improvements do not introduce regressions in functionality or user experience within the communication platform.