CVE-2017-1234 in QRadar
Summary
by MITRE
IBM QRadar 7.2 and 7.3 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: 123913.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2020
IBM QRadar version 7.2 and 7.3 contains 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-controllable input fields. The flaw exists in the web application layer where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to the browser, creating an environment where attackers can execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the victim's session.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input that gets processed by the QRadar web interface and subsequently executed in the browser of authenticated users. This cross-site scripting vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a prime target for session hijacking attacks. When successful, the malicious script can access session cookies, form data, and other sensitive information that the authenticated user has access to within the QRadar application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the trusted session context, meaning the injected JavaScript code runs with the same privileges and permissions as the legitimate user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to perform actions on behalf of authenticated users without their knowledge. An attacker could potentially steal session tokens, modify security configurations, access sensitive network monitoring data, or even escalate privileges within the QRadar environment. This represents a significant threat to the integrity and confidentiality of security monitoring operations, as the vulnerability could be exploited to compromise the very system designed to detect and prevent security breaches. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that QRadar is typically deployed in security operations centers where users have elevated privileges and access to critical infrastructure monitoring data.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation controls, output encoding mechanisms, and proper web application firewall rules to prevent malicious script injection attempts. The recommended approach involves implementing Content Security Policy headers, sanitizing all user inputs, and ensuring proper output encoding before rendering any user-supplied content in the web interface. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for known exploit patterns and implement regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in the application stack. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers scripting through web applications, making it a critical target for both defensive and offensive security operations. Regular patching and vulnerability management processes should be enhanced to address such flaws before they can be exploited in real-world scenarios.