CVE-2017-1282 in Content Navigator
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Content Navigator & CMIS 2.0 and 3.0 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: 124760.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2019
IBM Content Navigator and CMIS 2.0 and 3.0 contain a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical security weakness in the web-based user interface components. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the application's web framework, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious javascript code through user-controllable parameters. The flaw specifically affects the Content Management Interoperability Services implementation where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered in the web interface. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in web applications that fail to properly validate or encode user input before incorporating it into dynamic content. The security implications are severe as attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary javascript code within the context of a victim's browser session, potentially compromising the integrity of the application and the confidentiality of user data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution to include sophisticated attack vectors that can compromise user sessions and steal sensitive information. When a malicious user injects javascript code into the web interface, the injected scripts can access session cookies, form data, and other sensitive information that the browser has access to within the trusted session context. This enables attackers to perform session hijacking attacks, steal authentication tokens, and potentially escalate privileges within the application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to manipulate the intended functionality of the application, potentially redirecting users to malicious sites or modifying application behavior to capture user credentials. The IBM X-Force ID 124760 further validates the severity of this weakness, indicating that it represents a well-documented threat that requires immediate attention from system administrators and security teams.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and privilege escalation through web application attacks. Attackers can leverage this XSS vulnerability as part of a broader attack chain to establish persistent access to content management systems and potentially move laterally within network environments. The attack surface is particularly concerning for organizations that rely on IBM Content Navigator for document management and collaboration, as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, web forms, or direct URL manipulation. Organizations implementing these systems should consider the broader implications of this vulnerability within their overall security posture, as it can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices in web applications, as well as the necessity of regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes to identify and remediate such weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the web application framework. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script injection attempts, while also implementing content security policies to restrict script execution within the browser environment. Regular security patching and updates should be prioritized to address the specific vulnerability in IBM Content Navigator and CMIS versions 2.0 and 3.0. Additionally, security awareness training for administrators and developers can help prevent the introduction of similar vulnerabilities in future implementations. The remediation process should also include thorough code reviews and security testing to ensure that all user-controllable inputs are properly sanitized before processing, with particular attention to the CMIS API endpoints that handle user data. Organizations should also consider implementing additional authentication measures such as multi-factor authentication to reduce the impact of potential session hijacking attacks that could result from this vulnerability.