CVE-2016-5942 in Kenexa LCMS Premier on Cloud
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Kenexa LMS on Cloud 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.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2020
IBM Kenexa Learning Management System running in cloud environment contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a significant security risk to organizations relying on this platform for employee training and development. The vulnerability exists within the web user interface where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to users. This allows malicious actors to inject malicious javascript code through various input fields or parameters that are processed by the application's web interface. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the intended functionality of the application by executing unauthorized scripts in the context of a victim's browser session, potentially compromising the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which describes cross-site scripting flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without proper validation or sanitization. This particular implementation allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that can be executed when other users view affected pages or interact with the application. The attack vector typically involves embedding javascript code through parameters or form fields that are subsequently reflected or stored within the application's response. When legitimate users browse to pages containing the malicious script or when the script executes in the context of their authenticated session, the injected code can perform actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or extracting sensitive data from the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it creates a persistent threat to session integrity and data confidentiality within the trusted environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to obtain session tokens and credentials that would otherwise be protected by the application's security controls, potentially leading to unauthorized access to employee training records, personal information, and administrative functions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in cloud environments where multiple organizations share the same infrastructure and where the attack surface includes not just the primary application but also the shared resources and data processing capabilities. Organizations using this platform may experience unauthorized access to sensitive learning management data, potential data exfiltration, and compromised user trust in the system's security posture.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious code injection. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls that can detect and block known XSS attack patterns, implement proper content security policies to restrict script execution, and ensure that all user-supplied input is properly sanitized before being processed or displayed. Regular security testing including dynamic and static application security testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in the application's codebase. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of implementing secure coding practices and regular security training for developers working on web applications, as the root cause typically stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of user-supplied data. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unusual activities that might indicate exploitation attempts against this vulnerability.