CVE-2016-9733 in Team Concert
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Team Concert (RTC) 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0 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 X-Force ID: 119762.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2020
IBM Team Concert versions 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 contain a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical security weakness in the web-based user interface. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the application's web components, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious JavaScript code through user-controllable input fields or parameters. The flaw specifically affects the web UI rendering process where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being displayed back to users, creating an environment where attackers can execute arbitrary code within the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical implementation 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 attack vector typically involves an attacker crafting malicious input that gets stored or reflected within the application's web interface, subsequently executed when other users view the affected content. This particular vulnerability is classified as a persistent XSS issue since the malicious code can be stored within the application's database and executed whenever affected pages are accessed by legitimate users. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution to potentially enable session hijacking and credential theft, as attackers can leverage the executed JavaScript to capture authentication tokens or other sensitive session data.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe for organizations utilizing IBM Team Concert for collaborative development and project management activities. When exploited, the vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to development environments, compromise of source code repositories, and potential data exfiltration from trusted sessions. Attackers can leverage this weakness to steal user credentials, modify project data, or escalate privileges within the application environment. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Team Concert is commonly used in enterprise settings where developers and project managers access sensitive intellectual property and development artifacts through the web interface. The vulnerability can be exploited through various means including direct injection into form fields, URL parameters, or even through social engineering techniques where users are tricked into clicking malicious links that contain the XSS payload.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, including input validation, output encoding, and Content Security Policy implementation. The recommended remediation approach involves upgrading to patched versions of IBM Team Concert where proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms have been implemented. Security controls should include regular security scanning of web applications, implementation of web application firewalls, and strict input validation for all user-controllable data. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers social engineering and malicious code injection, highlights the need for comprehensive security awareness training to prevent users from inadvertently executing malicious payloads. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing proper session management controls and monitoring for suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability can be leveraged for extended periods if not properly addressed.