CVE-2016-3054 in FileNet Workplace
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in IBM FileNet Workplace 4.0.2 allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML by uploading a file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2019
The CVE-2016-3054 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within IBM FileNet Workplace 4.0.2 that exposes organizations to significant web application security risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the file upload functionality of the document management system, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to execute malicious code within the context of other users' browsers. The flaw resides in how the application processes and displays uploaded file metadata, particularly when file names contain malicious script code that gets rendered without proper sanitization or encoding. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input before incorporating it into web pages, making it a classic example of insecure data handling in web applications. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of document management processes, as it allows threat actors to potentially steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of legitimate users, or redirect victims to malicious websites. The authenticated nature of the exploit means that attackers must first obtain valid credentials, but once inside the system, they can leverage this vulnerability to escalate their privileges or conduct more sophisticated attacks within the network environment. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically web shell execution, and T1566 for credential harvesting through social engineering or malicious file delivery. Organizations using IBM FileNet Workplace 4.0.2 face a heightened risk of data breaches and unauthorized access, particularly in environments where the application handles sensitive business documents or personal information. The impact extends beyond immediate exploitation as successful attacks can lead to persistent backdoors, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the enterprise network. IBM has addressed this vulnerability through security patches and updates, but organizations must ensure comprehensive deployment across all affected systems to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and output encoding in web applications, particularly in file handling scenarios where user-supplied data is processed and displayed. Security teams should implement additional monitoring for suspicious file upload activities and consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The flaw also highlights the need for regular security assessments of enterprise document management systems, as these applications often contain sensitive data and serve as potential entry points for broader network attacks. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes and maintain up-to-date security configurations to protect against similar vulnerabilities in other enterprise applications. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of thorough security testing throughout the software development lifecycle.