CVE-2017-1324 in RELM
Summary
by MITRE
IBM RELM 4.0, 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. IBM X-Force ID: 125975.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2021
IBM RELM versions 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 contain a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical security weakness in the web-based user interface. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental web application security flaw that occurs when user-supplied data is directly incorporated into web page content without proper sanitization or encoding. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code through input fields or parameters that are then executed in the context of other users' browsers within the same trusted session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to manipulate the intended functionality of the application by executing arbitrary code in the victim's browser. When users interact with the vulnerable web interface, they may unknowingly execute malicious scripts that can capture session cookies, credentials, or other sensitive information. The vulnerability specifically targets the web user interface where user input is not properly validated or escaped, creating an attack surface that can be exploited through various means including crafted URLs, form submissions, or even social engineering techniques that诱导 users to click on malicious links.
This cross-site scripting vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, where adversaries leverage JavaScript execution capabilities to perform malicious activities. The attack chain typically involves an attacker crafting malicious input that gets stored or reflected in the web application, which then gets executed in the browser of authenticated users. The trusted session aspect of this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows the malicious code to operate within the context of legitimate user sessions, potentially enabling credential theft, session hijacking, or data exfiltration without detection.
Organizations using IBM RELM versions 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and proper sanitization of user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages. The recommended approach involves implementing Content Security Policy headers, using proper HTML encoding for dynamic content, and ensuring that all user inputs are validated against whitelisted patterns. Additionally, IBM has released patches and updates to address this vulnerability, and organizations should apply these patches as soon as possible. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in web applications, as even minor oversights in data handling can lead to significant security breaches that compromise user sessions and sensitive information.