CVE-2016-9723 in QRadar
Summary
by MITRE
IBM QRadar 7.2 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 #: 1999534.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2020
IBM QRadar version 7.2 contains a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a significant security risk to organizations relying on this security information and event management platform. The vulnerability exists within the web user interface where user input is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to the browser, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject malicious javascript code. This flaw specifically affects the web-based administration and monitoring interfaces that security teams use daily for threat detection and incident response activities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the QRadar web application framework. When legitimate users interact with the interface and provide input through various fields, the application fails to adequately sanitize this data before displaying it back to the user. This allows an attacker to craft malicious payloads that, when executed in a victim's browser, can manipulate the web page's functionality and potentially access sensitive session information. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. Attackers can exploit this weakness by embedding javascript code that can hijack user sessions, steal authentication tokens, or redirect users to malicious sites that appear legitimate within the trusted QRadar environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it fundamentally undermines the trust model that security teams rely upon when using QRadar for critical security operations. When an attacker successfully executes XSS payloads within a user's browser session, they can potentially access sensitive security data, modify system configurations, or escalate privileges within the QRadar environment. This risk is particularly concerning because QRadar serves as a central hub for security monitoring and incident response, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise security operations. The vulnerability allows for credential disclosure within a trusted session, meaning that an attacker who successfully exploits this flaw could gain access to legitimate user accounts and maintain persistent access to the security platform. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for scripting and T1531 for credential access, demonstrating the multi-faceted attack vectors that can be leveraged from a single XSS flaw. The attack chain typically involves initial access through malicious input, followed by session hijacking and privilege escalation, potentially leading to complete compromise of the security monitoring infrastructure.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to protect against exploitation of this vulnerability. The most critical mitigation involves applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates that address the specific XSS implementation flaws in QRadar 7.2. Additionally, network-based protections such as web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious javascript payloads attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Browser security controls including content security policies and XSS protection mechanisms should be enabled to provide additional defense in depth. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the broader security infrastructure, as this flaw represents a common pattern that may exist in other components of the QRadar platform or related systems. Organizations should also implement user awareness training to help prevent social engineering attacks that might leverage this vulnerability by tricking users into executing malicious payloads through crafted web interactions.