CVE-2016-6019 in Management Platform
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Emptoris Strategic Supply Management Platform 10.0.0.x through 10.1.1.x 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: 116739.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6019 affects IBM Emptoris Strategic Supply Management Platform versions 10.0.0.x through 10.1.1.x, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that undermines the platform's web-based user interface security. This vulnerability resides within the platform's input validation mechanisms, where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to the browser. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code through web forms, URL parameters, or other input vectors, exploiting the platform's failure to implement adequate output encoding and input sanitization measures. The vulnerability specifically impacts the web user interface components where user-generated content is displayed without proper security controls.
The technical exploitation of this cross-site scripting vulnerability occurs when authenticated users interact with the platform's web interface, allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of a victim's browser session. This creates a persistent threat where attackers can manipulate the intended functionality of the application by injecting JavaScript code that executes in the victim's browser. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it operates within a trusted session environment, meaning that any credentials or sensitive information processed within the compromised session could potentially be exfiltrated. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious input that gets stored or reflected within the application's web interface, then executed when other users view the affected content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it creates a pathway for credential theft and session hijacking within the supply management platform. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, capture user credentials, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of legitimate users. The compromised platform environment poses significant risks to supply chain data integrity, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate procurement processes, alter supplier information, or access sensitive financial data. Organizations utilizing this platform face potential exposure of their strategic supply chain information, including supplier contracts, pricing data, and procurement decisions that could be altered or accessed by unauthorized parties.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6019 should prioritize immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding controls within the platform's web interface components. Organizations must ensure that all user-supplied data undergoes proper sanitization before being processed or displayed, implementing robust encoding mechanisms that prevent JavaScript execution in web contexts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1531 related to credential access through web application vulnerabilities. Security teams should implement comprehensive monitoring of user input handling, deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script injection attempts, and ensure that all platform versions are updated to patched releases. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should verify that input validation controls remain effective against evolving attack vectors, while user education programs can help identify potential social engineering attempts that might exploit this vulnerability.