CVE-2017-1290 in OpenPages GRC Platform
Summary
by MITRE
IBM OpenPages GRC Platform 7.1, 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: 125151.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1290 affects IBM OpenPages GRC Platform versions 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3, representing a critical cross-site scripting weakness that undermines the platform's web-based user interface security. This vulnerability resides within the platform's input validation mechanisms, specifically in how the system processes and renders user-supplied data within web pages. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code through crafted input fields or parameters, exploiting the platform's insufficient sanitization of user-provided content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws occurring when web applications fail to properly validate or escape user input before incorporating it into dynamic web pages. The affected IBM OpenPages platform does not adequately sanitize data entered through various UI components, allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of authenticated sessions. This particular weakness creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the web interface in ways that can compromise user sessions and potentially access sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables session hijacking and credential theft within trusted user contexts. When authenticated users interact with compromised pages, the injected JavaScript code can capture session cookies, form data, or other sensitive information transmitted between the browser and server. This capability allows attackers to impersonate legitimate users and potentially access restricted functionality or data within the GRC platform. The vulnerability particularly threatens organizations relying on IBM OpenPages for governance, risk, and compliance management, where sensitive business data and regulatory information may be exposed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-1290 should prioritize immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding controls within the affected IBM OpenPages platform versions. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls to filter malicious payloads and ensure proper HTML escaping of all user-supplied content before rendering in web interfaces. The platform administrators should also implement strict content security policies to prevent unauthorized script execution and regularly update the system to the latest security patches provided by IBM. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining robust web application security practices, particularly in enterprise platforms handling sensitive governance and compliance data, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting and T1531 for credential access through session manipulation.