CVE-2016-8934 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Application Server 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
IBM WebSphere Application Server version 8.5.5.0 and earlier contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web user interface components. This flaw resides in the server's handling of user-supplied data that flows through the application's web interface without proper sanitization, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can inject malicious javascript code into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability specifically affects the server's administrative console and web-based management interfaces where user inputs are not adequately filtered or escaped before being rendered back to the browser. According to the CWE taxonomy, this represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability classified under CWE-79, which encompasses the failure to sanitize input data before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. The attack vector typically involves an attacker crafting malicious payloads that exploit the lack of proper input validation controls, allowing javascript code execution within the context of a victim's browser session. This vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it enables attackers to execute javascript code within the victim's browser environment. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can potentially lead to session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized access to sensitive administrative functions. When users with administrative privileges interact with the compromised web interface, attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies or credentials, effectively gaining elevated privileges within the application server environment. The risk is particularly severe in enterprise environments where WebSphere servers often manage critical business applications and contain sensitive data. Organizations running affected versions of IBM WebSphere Application Server should prioritize immediate remediation through official IBM security patches, while also implementing additional defensive measures such as web application firewalls, input validation rules, and regular security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper output encoding and input validation in web applications, aligning with industry best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten Project recommendations for preventing cross-site scripting attacks.