CVE-2017-1249 in Rhapsody DM
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Rhapsody DM 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2021
IBM Rhapsody DM 5.0 and 6.0 contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical security flaw in the web-based user interface of this requirements management and modeling tool. The 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. This weakness falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically representing a reflected XSS vulnerability where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into web responses without proper sanitization. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious payloads that exploit the web interface to execute unauthorized scripts in the context of authenticated users' browsers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to manipulate the intended functionality of the application and potentially access sensitive information within trusted sessions. When authenticated users interact with the vulnerable web interface, the injected javascript code can capture session cookies, credentials, or other sensitive data that the user has access to. This creates a significant risk for organizations using IBM Rhapsody DM, as the tool is commonly employed in development environments where users may have elevated privileges or access to confidential project data. The vulnerability essentially undermines the security boundaries of the application by allowing attackers to execute code in the context of legitimate user sessions, potentially leading to complete system compromise or unauthorized data access.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1059.007 technique for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, and T1531 for Account Access Through Web Shell. Attackers can leverage this XSS flaw to establish persistent access patterns or create backdoors within the application's web interface. Organizations utilizing this software face increased risk of credential theft, session hijacking, and potential lateral movement within their networks, especially when the application is deployed in environments where users have administrative or privileged access to development systems. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where the application is exposed to untrusted users or external networks, as the attack surface expands beyond internal trusted boundaries.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding controls within the web application layer, following OWASP's secure coding practices for preventing XSS attacks. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls and implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities within the browser context. Regular security updates and patches from IBM should be applied immediately upon availability, as the vendor has likely released remediation measures for this specific vulnerability. Additionally, security awareness training for developers and administrators can help identify potential injection points and implement proper sanitization techniques. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the vulnerable application to untrusted users, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous script execution patterns or unusual user behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of conducting regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in other web applications within the organization's attack surface.