CVE-2017-1208 in Maximo Asset Management
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Maximo Asset Management 7.1, 7.5, and 7.6 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: 123778.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2020
IBM Maximo Asset Management versions 7.1, 7.5, and 7.6 contain a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical security flaw 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 input fields or parameters. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages, creating an opening for attackers to execute arbitrary scripts within the context of a victim's browser session.
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. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that gets executed when other users view affected pages, potentially compromising the integrity of the web application and the data it handles. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs within a business-critical asset management platform where users may have elevated privileges and access to sensitive organizational data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it creates potential pathways for credential theft and session hijacking within trusted user sessions. When authenticated users interact with the vulnerable Maximo interface, attackers can leverage the XSS flaw to steal session cookies, modify application behavior, or redirect users to malicious sites. This risk is amplified in enterprise environments where Maximo is used for critical asset management and maintenance operations, potentially allowing unauthorized individuals to gain access to sensitive operational data, maintenance schedules, and asset configurations.
Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including input validation controls, output encoding mechanisms, and regular security patching of affected IBM Maximo versions. The recommended approach involves deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script injections, implementing content security policies to restrict script execution, and ensuring all user inputs are properly sanitized before processing. Additionally, security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in the broader application ecosystem, following industry best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks to maintain robust protection against evolving web-based attack vectors.