CVE-2016-6055 in Rational Doors Next Generation
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Rational DOORS Next Generation 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 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 Reference #: 1995515.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6055 affects IBM Rational DOORS Next Generation versions 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that compromises the web-based user interface of this requirements management tool. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically manifesting as a client-side code injection attack that enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary JavaScript within the context of a user's session. The affected system operates as a collaborative requirements management platform that facilitates software development teams in creating, managing, and tracking requirements throughout the development lifecycle, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit its web interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the web user interface components of IBM Rational DOORS Next Generation. When users interact with the application through web browsers, the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it in the web interface. This allows an attacker to inject malicious JavaScript code through various input fields or parameters that are subsequently executed in the browser context of authenticated users. The vulnerability specifically enables attackers to manipulate the application's intended behavior by injecting script code that can capture user credentials, session tokens, or other sensitive information transmitted within the trusted session. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious input that gets processed and displayed without proper sanitization, creating a persistent XSS condition that can be exploited across different user sessions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it represents a significant threat to the integrity and confidentiality of requirements management processes within development organizations. When attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability, they can potentially access sensitive project data, manipulate requirements records, or escalate privileges within the system. The trusted session compromise means that authenticated users who interact with the vulnerable application become potential victims of credential theft, session hijacking, or data manipulation attacks. Organizations using IBM Rational DOORS Next Generation for managing critical software requirements and compliance documentation face substantial risk, as attackers could alter requirement specifications, inject malicious code into development processes, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive project information. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the application by undermining the trust model that users place in the system's security boundaries.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates released by IBM to address this vulnerability. The remediation process involves upgrading to patched versions of IBM Rational DOORS Next Generation that incorporate proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Security measures should include implementing content security policies to restrict script execution within the application, deploying web application firewalls to filter malicious requests, and conducting comprehensive security testing of user input handling mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about phishing attacks that might attempt to exploit this vulnerability, as well as establishing monitoring procedures to detect suspicious activities in the application logs that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 for credential access through social engineering and T1059 for command and script injection, making it a critical concern for organizations following established cybersecurity frameworks and threat modeling practices.