CVE-2016-6125 in Kenexa LMS on Cloud
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Kenexa LMS on Cloud 13.1 and 13.2 - 13.2.4 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.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6125 affects IBM Kenexa Learning Management System on Cloud versions 13.1 through 13.2.4, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that compromises the security integrity of the web-based learning platform. This vulnerability resides within the web user interface implementation where insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it within the application's dynamic content. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject malicious JavaScript code through carefully crafted input fields or parameters that are subsequently executed in the context of authenticated user sessions. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and it maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection attacks. The affected IBM Kenexa LMS environment operates as a cloud-based learning management system where users interact through web interfaces to access training materials, track progress, and manage learning activities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input containing JavaScript code that gets stored or reflected within the application's response. When authenticated users view the malicious content, the embedded JavaScript executes in their browser context, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, credentials, or perform actions on behalf of the victim. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft since it enables session hijacking attacks where attackers can establish persistent access to user accounts within the trusted environment. The attack vector typically involves sending crafted payloads through form fields, URL parameters, or API endpoints that the application processes without adequate sanitization. This flaw represents a significant concern for enterprise learning management systems where sensitive educational data, personal information, and institutional credentials may be at risk. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it affects cloud-based deployments where multiple users share the same infrastructure, potentially allowing for widespread impact across an organization's learning ecosystem.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-6125 extends beyond immediate credential theft to encompass broader security implications for organizations relying on IBM Kenexa LMS for their training and development programs. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive learning data, manipulate training records, or conduct privilege escalation attacks within the system. The vulnerability's presence creates opportunities for advanced persistent threats where attackers establish footholds within the learning management environment to conduct prolonged surveillance or data exfiltration activities. Organizations may face regulatory compliance challenges if the vulnerability results in unauthorized access to personally identifiable information or educational records, particularly in environments subject to privacy regulations like GDPR or FERPA. The attack surface is further expanded by the cloud deployment model, where the vulnerability could potentially be exploited to gain access to interconnected systems or databases that support the learning platform. Security teams must consider the potential for cascading effects where exploitation of this vulnerability could compromise other systems within the organization's network perimeter. The vulnerability also poses risks to the integrity of the learning management system's data and user trust in the platform's security measures. Organizations should evaluate their incident response capabilities and consider the potential need for forensic analysis if exploitation occurs, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to maintain persistent access to the system. Mitigation efforts must address both immediate remediation through proper input validation and output encoding while also implementing comprehensive monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's impact on business continuity is significant as it could disrupt educational services and compromise the security of the entire learning management ecosystem.