CVE-2017-1321 in InfoSphere Information Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM InfoSphere Information Server 9.1, 11.3, and 11.5 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: 125916.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2021
IBM InfoSphere Information Server versions 9.1, 11.3, and 11.5 contain 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 or parameters. The flaw exists in the web UI 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 authenticated users' sessions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. This weakness enables attackers to manipulate the web application's behavior by injecting client-side scripts that can capture user interactions, steal session cookies, and potentially access sensitive information. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within a trusted session context, meaning that any malicious code executed would have the same privileges as the legitimate user, potentially allowing unauthorized access to confidential data and system functionalities. Attackers could exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted input that gets reflected back to the user's browser, thereby executing the embedded JavaScript code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for session hijacking and credential disclosure. When authenticated users interact with the vulnerable application, their browser sessions become compromised, potentially allowing attackers to maintain persistent access to the system. This vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of the information processing environment, as it enables unauthorized data access and manipulation. The exposure of session tokens and credentials through XSS attacks can lead to complete system compromise, particularly when combined with other exploitation techniques. Organizations using these IBM InfoSphere versions face significant risk of unauthorized access to business-critical data and system resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding controls across all web interfaces. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, while also implementing proper content security policies to prevent script execution. The recommended approach involves upgrading to patched versions of IBM InfoSphere Information Server, as IBM has released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Additionally, comprehensive security testing including dynamic application security testing and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in the broader application ecosystem. Regular security awareness training for developers and administrators is essential to prevent similar issues in future implementations, while adherence to secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks should be maintained throughout the software development lifecycle.