CVE-2017-1338 in DOORS Next Generation
Summary
by MITRE
IBM DOORS Next Generation (DNG/RRC) 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: 126246.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2021
IBM DOORS Next Generation represents a comprehensive requirements management platform that enables organizations to capture, manage, and trace requirements throughout the software development lifecycle. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1338 affects versions 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 of this enterprise solution, specifically targeting the web-based user interface components. This cross-site scripting vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the application's web framework, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to inject client-side scripts into the application's response.
The technical flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it within the web interface. Attackers can craft malicious payloads containing javascript code that gets executed in the context of other users' sessions, leveraging the trust relationship between the browser and the application server. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, where the weakness allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that can manipulate the web page's behavior. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which describes the use of malicious content via web applications to execute code in user browsers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to hijack user sessions and potentially access sensitive information. When authenticated users interact with maliciously crafted content, their browser sessions become compromised, allowing attackers to access the application with the victim's privileges. This can lead to credential disclosure, data exfiltration, and unauthorized modification of requirements within the system. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely heavily on DOORS Next Generation for managing critical requirements and sensitive project data, as successful exploitation could compromise the integrity of the entire requirements management process.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding controls to prevent script injection attacks. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all user inputs and properly encoding output data before rendering within the web interface. Additionally, implementing content security policies and using secure coding practices can significantly reduce the attack surface. IBM has released patches and updates for affected versions, and organizations should prioritize applying these security fixes. Network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious user activities can provide additional layers of defense, while user education regarding the dangers of clicking untrusted links and attachments remains crucial in preventing successful exploitation attempts.