CVE-2017-1369 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: 126862.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1369 affects IBM RELM versions 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0, representing a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability that compromises the security of the web-based user interface. This flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the application's web interface, fundamentally undermining the integrity of the system's user experience and security posture. The vulnerability specifically targets the web user interface components of IBM RELM, creating an attack vector that can be exploited through improperly sanitized user input fields or parameters within the application's web pages.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the IBM RELM web application framework. When users interact with the system through the web interface, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages. This allows attackers to inject malicious script payloads that execute within the context of other users' sessions. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it enables session hijacking and credential theft, as the injected JavaScript code can access and exfiltrate sensitive session data or authentication tokens that are typically stored in browser cookies or local storage mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption or interface manipulation, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for advanced persistent attacks. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to establish backdoors within trusted sessions, potentially gaining access to privileged functions or sensitive information within the IBM RELM environment. The consequences include unauthorized access to system resources, data breaches, and potential escalation of privileges within the application. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on IBM RELM for critical business operations, as it provides attackers with a method to compromise user sessions and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or system functionalities. The attack can be executed through various vectors including malicious links, email attachments, or compromised web pages that direct users to exploit the vulnerable interface components.
Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, beginning with immediate patching of affected IBM RELM versions to the latest security updates provided by IBM. The remediation process should include implementing proper input validation mechanisms, output encoding, and Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to prevent script injection attacks. Security measures should also incorporate regular web application firewall (WAF) configuration updates to detect and block malicious script payloads attempting to exploit the XSS vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their web applications, implement proper user input sanitization procedures, and establish monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which addresses scripting and T1566 which covers credential access through web application vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while maintaining detailed logging and monitoring capabilities to detect suspicious activities within their IBM RELM environments.