CVE-2017-1217 in WebSphere Portal
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Portal 8.5 and 9.0 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: 123857
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2020
IBM WebSphere Portal versions 8.5 and 9.0 contain a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical security flaw in the web application framework. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security issues. The flaw exists in the portal's user interface processing mechanism where input validation is insufficient to prevent malicious script injection. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting specially formatted requests that include JavaScript code within the portal's web interface, bypassing the normal security boundaries that protect user sessions and data integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, creating significant risks for organizations relying on IBM WebSphere Portal for business-critical applications. When successfully exploited, the XSS vulnerability enables attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that can execute within the context of a victim's browser session. This allows for session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration from authenticated users who interact with the vulnerable portal. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages the trust relationship between users and the portal application, making it difficult to distinguish between legitimate and malicious content. The vulnerability essentially undermines the security model of the portal by enabling attackers to manipulate the user interface and potentially access sensitive information that would normally be protected by session-based authentication mechanisms.
Organizations using IBM WebSphere Portal 8.5 and 9.0 face substantial risk from this vulnerability, as it provides attackers with a pathway to compromise user sessions and potentially gain access to corporate data. The vulnerability aligns with several tactics in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and execution through web application interfaces. The attack surface is broad since the vulnerability affects core portal functionality and can be exploited through various input points within the web interface. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output encoding in web applications, as the flaw essentially allows attackers to inject code that executes in the context of trusted sessions. Organizations must implement immediate mitigations including input sanitization, proper output encoding, and regular security updates to protect against exploitation of this XSS vulnerability.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires organizations to apply the official IBM security patches and updates released for WebSphere Portal 8.5 and 9.0. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies and input validation mechanisms can provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities. Security teams should conduct comprehensive testing to ensure that all user input is properly validated and sanitized before being processed or displayed within the portal interface. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust web application security controls to prevent exploitation of common vulnerabilities like cross-site scripting that continue to pose significant risks to enterprise applications.