CVE-2016-8935 in Kenexa LMS on Cloud
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Kenexa LMS on Cloud 13.1, 13.2, 13.2.2, 13.2.3, 13.2.4 and 14.0.0 are 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 #: 1999483.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8935 affects IBM Kenexa Learning Management System on Cloud versions 13.1 through 14.0.0, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that compromises the security integrity of the web-based learning management platform. This vulnerability exists within the web user interface component of the system, where insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it within the application's web pages. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes user inputs that are subsequently displayed without adequate sanitization, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject executable JavaScript code into the application's interface.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without proper validation or encoding. The vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a victim's browser session, potentially enabling session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized access to sensitive learning management system data. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted inputs that, when processed by the application, are rendered as executable JavaScript code within the web interface. This capability enables attackers to manipulate the intended functionality of the application, potentially capturing user credentials or session tokens that would otherwise remain protected within the trusted session context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it fundamentally undermines the trust model of the learning management system. When users interact with the vulnerable application, their browser sessions become susceptible to manipulation by malicious actors who can inject scripts to capture authentication tokens, redirect users to phishing sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in educational and corporate training environments where the system may contain sensitive personnel data, training records, and access credentials. The potential for credential disclosure within a trusted session creates a significant risk for organizations relying on the system for managing employee training and development programs, as compromised sessions could lead to unauthorized access to proprietary training materials and personnel information.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation controls, output encoding mechanisms, and regular security assessments of their web applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the ATT&CK framework's web application exploitation techniques. Defense in depth strategies should include web application firewalls, regular security patches, and comprehensive user access controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security awareness training for administrators and developers to prevent similar issues in future deployments, as this vulnerability represents a common class of web application flaws that can be prevented through proper security controls and development practices.