CVE-2017-1203 in Tivoli Endpoint Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Endpoint Manager (for Lifecycle/Power/Patch) Platform and Applications 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: 123678.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1203 affects IBM Tivoli Endpoint Manager, a comprehensive platform for system lifecycle management, power management, and patch management operations. This cross-site scripting vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that compromises the integrity of the web-based user interface components. The affected system operates within enterprise environments where endpoint management and security patch deployment are critical functions, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on the platform for their IT infrastructure management. The vulnerability exists in the web user interface layer of the Tivoli Endpoint Manager suite, specifically within the platform and applications that handle user interactions through web-based interfaces.
The technical flaw manifests as a failure to properly sanitize user input within the web interface components of IBM Tivoli Endpoint Manager. When users interact with the platform through web browsers, malicious actors can inject JavaScript code into input fields or parameters that are subsequently rendered in the web interface without adequate validation or encoding. This lack of input sanitization creates an environment where attackers can execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of a user's browser session. The vulnerability is classified as a cross-site scripting flaw under CWE-79, which specifically addresses the improper handling of potentially malicious input data in web applications. The flaw allows for the execution of scripts in the victim's browser, potentially enabling session hijacking and credential theft.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to manipulate the intended functionality of the web interface. An attacker with the ability to inject JavaScript code can potentially redirect users to malicious sites, steal session cookies, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability particularly threatens environments where users maintain trusted sessions with the Tivoli Endpoint Manager platform, as the injected JavaScript code can access sensitive data and functionality within the scope of the user's privileges. This could lead to unauthorized access to system configurations, patch deployment controls, and other management functions that are critical for enterprise security operations. The attack vector leverages standard web-based exploitation techniques that align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting and T1531 for credential access through web applications.
Organizations utilizing IBM Tivoli Endpoint Manager should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates released for this specific flaw. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional protective layers to detect and block malicious script injection attempts. Input validation and output encoding should be strengthened throughout the web interface components to prevent unauthorized JavaScript execution. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous user behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining robust web application security practices, particularly in enterprise management platforms where the compromise of a single interface could provide access to critical system controls and sensitive operational data. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web-based components of the enterprise infrastructure.