CVE-2017-1256 in Security Guardium
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Guardium 10.0, 10.1 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: 124678
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2020
IBM Security Guardium versions 10.0 and 10.1 contain a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a significant security risk to organizations relying on this database security solution. This vulnerability exists within the web user interface component of the software, creating an attack vector that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the application's web pages. The flaw specifically affects the authentication and session management mechanisms, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate the intended functionality of the web interface and compromise user sessions.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the web application's user interface components. When users interact with the Guardium web console, the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it in web pages, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious scripts. This weakness falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in web applications. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the privileged nature of the Guardium application, which typically handles sensitive database security information and authentication credentials.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple script injection, as it can lead to complete session hijacking and credential disclosure within trusted sessions. Attackers can exploit this flaw to steal authentication tokens, session cookies, and potentially gain unauthorized access to database security configurations and monitoring capabilities. The vulnerability's presence in IBM Security Guardium creates a particularly concerning scenario since this tool is designed to protect database environments and monitor security events, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise database security infrastructure. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that legitimate users may be tricked into visiting malicious pages that leverage this vulnerability, making it difficult to detect and prevent.
Organizations utilizing IBM Security Guardium 10.0 and 10.1 should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers phishing and social engineering attacks that leverage web-based vulnerabilities to gain access to privileged accounts. Additional defensive measures should include implementing strict content security policies, regular web application security scanning, and monitoring for suspicious user activities within the Guardium interface. Network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit potential lateral movement if the vulnerability is successfully exploited. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web-based applications within their environment. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing database security monitoring configurations and that all users are properly authenticated and authorized to access the Guardium console.