CVE-2016-5984 in InfoSphere Information Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM InfoSphere Information Server is vulnerable to cross-frame scripting, caused by insufficient HTML iframe protection. A remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability using a specially-crafted URL to navigate to a web page the attacker controls. An attacker could use this vulnerability to conduct clickjacking or other client-side browser attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2017
IBM InfoSphere Information Server version 9.1 and earlier contains a cross-frame scripting vulnerability that stems from inadequate protection mechanisms for html iframe elements. This weakness allows malicious actors to manipulate the frame structure of web applications, creating dangerous scenarios where user interactions can be hijacked or redirected. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's handling of iframe content and fails to properly validate or sanitize html elements that could be used to embed external content within the application's interface.
The technical flaw manifests when the application processes user-supplied urls or content that includes iframe references without proper sanitization. This creates an environment where an attacker can craft malicious urls that, when accessed by unsuspecting users, cause the browser to load content from attacker-controlled domains within the application's frame context. The vulnerability operates at the client-side level, leveraging the browser's frame navigation capabilities to execute unauthorized actions. This type of weakness falls under the CWE-79 category of cross-site scripting, specifically involving the manipulation of frame structures rather than traditional script injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure or data manipulation. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform clickjacking attacks where users are tricked into performing unintended actions on the vulnerable application. The malicious frames can overlay legitimate application interfaces, making it appear as though users are interacting with the trusted application while actually executing commands controlled by the attacker. This vulnerability enables a range of malicious activities including credential theft, unauthorized data access, and potential privilege escalation within the application's context.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for client-side exploitation and T1531 for credential access through web applications. The vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations using IBM InfoSphere Information Server, particularly in environments where privileged users access the application through web browsers. The attack vector requires minimal technical expertise to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where user training and awareness may be insufficient.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied content, particularly urls and html elements that could be used to create iframe references. Organizations should deploy content security policies that restrict frame embedding and implement proper html escaping mechanisms. Additionally, application developers should enforce strict validation of iframe sources and implement proper frame-ancestry controls. Regular security testing and code reviews should specifically target html element handling and frame management components to identify similar vulnerabilities in the application's architecture. The vulnerability highlights the importance of defense-in-depth approaches to web application security and the necessity of addressing client-side security concerns alongside traditional server-side protections.