CVE-2016-5955 in Rational Doors Next Generation
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in IBM Rational DOORS Next Generation 6.0.2 before iFix004 allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5955 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within IBM Rational DOORS Next Generation version 6.0.2, prior to the implementation of iFix004. This security weakness exposes the application to remote authenticated attackers who can exploit it to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content into the application's user interface. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web application framework, creating an attack surface where user-supplied data can be improperly handled and subsequently executed in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical nature of this XSS vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-site Scripting flaws in web applications. This classification indicates that the application fails to properly sanitize or encode user input before rendering it within web pages, allowing malicious scripts to be injected and executed. The vulnerability occurs through unspecified vectors, suggesting that multiple entry points within the application's interface could potentially be exploited, including form fields, URL parameters, or any user-controllable input areas. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can craft malicious payloads that execute in the context of authenticated users, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized data manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform a range of malicious activities within the application environment. Authenticated users who interact with the vulnerable application may unknowingly execute malicious scripts that can steal session cookies, redirect them to phishing sites, or perform actions on their behalf within the DOORS Next Generation application. The implications are particularly severe given that DOORS Next Generation is used for requirements management and collaboration in software development environments, where sensitive project data and intellectual property may be accessible through the application. This vulnerability could potentially compromise entire development workflows and expose organizations to significant security risks.
Organizations utilizing IBM Rational DOORS Next Generation 6.0.2 should immediately implement the iFix004 patch released by IBM to address this vulnerability. The mitigation strategy should also include comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures within the application's codebase, following secure coding practices recommended by the OWASP Top Ten and the MITRE ATT&CK framework for web application security. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers and regular security testing of the application's input handling mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect potential exploitation attempts, while user education regarding suspicious activities and proper input validation practices remains essential for overall security posture maintenance.