CVE-2016-8920 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8920 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 management platform. This vulnerability resides within the web user interface component of the system, where inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it within the application's dynamic content. The flaw stems from the application's insufficient protection against malicious script injection attempts, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to manipulate the intended behavior of the web application through crafted JavaScript payloads.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code into the web interface through various input vectors including form fields, URL parameters, or other user-controllable data entry points within the LMS platform. When legitimate users interact with the compromised application, the injected scripts execute within their browser context, potentially capturing session cookies, credentials, or other sensitive information transmitted during trusted sessions. This cross-site scripting vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation as a primary weakness, and operates under the broader ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments or links, where the malicious payload is delivered through the vulnerable web interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can lead to complete session hijacking and unauthorized access to sensitive training materials, learner data, and administrative functions within the Kenexa LMS environment. Attackers can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges, modify course content, manipulate user permissions, or gain access to confidential information that should remain protected within the trusted session boundaries. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on cloud-based learning management systems where user trust and session integrity are paramount for maintaining secure educational environments and corporate training programs.
Organizations should immediately implement input validation controls and output encoding mechanisms to prevent script injection attempts, while also deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. Regular security updates and patch management procedures should be enforced to address known vulnerabilities, and comprehensive security awareness training should be provided to administrators and users to recognize potential phishing attempts that may exploit this vulnerability. The remediation process must include thorough code review and security testing of all input handling components, with particular attention to the web interface elements that process user-generated content, ensuring that all dynamic content is properly sanitized before rendering to prevent similar cross-site scripting conditions from reoccurring in the future.