CVE-2016-9731 in Business Process Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Business Process Manager 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 • 08/10/2020
IBM Business Process Manager version 8.5.0 through 8.5.5 contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that arises from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the web user interface components. This flaw exists in the application's handling of user-supplied data that is subsequently rendered without proper sanitization mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting attacks where untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without adequate protection measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when user input is processed through the web interface and directly embedded into HTML responses without proper encoding or filtering. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting malicious javascript payloads through various input fields or parameters that are not adequately validated. When the vulnerable application renders these inputs back to the user interface, the embedded javascript executes within the context of the victim's browser session, potentially compromising the integrity of the trusted environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it creates a pathway for credential theft and session hijacking attacks. When malicious javascript runs within a user's browser during an active session with the business process manager application, attackers can access sensitive session cookies, form data, and other authentication tokens that would normally be protected. This represents a significant threat to the confidentiality and integrity of business processes, particularly in environments where the application handles sensitive enterprise data and business-critical workflows.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability including input validation at the application level, output encoding for all dynamic content, and proper content security policy headers. The mitigation strategy should align with ATT&CK technique T1531 which focuses on credential access through manipulation of application data. Security teams must also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security scanning to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, proper security training for developers regarding secure coding practices and input sanitization techniques can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced during the software development lifecycle.