CVE-2017-1424 in Business Process Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Business Process Manager 8.5.7 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: 127477.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2021
IBM Business Process Manager version 8.5.7 contains 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. The flaw specifically affects the web user interface where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to the browser, creating an avenue for attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of authenticated sessions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security architecture. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate the intended behavior of the web application and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The operational impact of this cross-site scripting vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers to establish persistent malicious presence within the application environment. When a victim user visits a page containing the injected javascript code, the script executes in the victim's browser within the context of their authenticated session, potentially enabling credential theft, session hijacking, and privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability particularly threatens the confidentiality and integrity of business process management workflows where sensitive business data and operational information are handled. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to capture session tokens, manipulate user interface elements, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The IBM X-Force ID 127477 indicates this vulnerability has been recognized and tracked within the security community, emphasizing its potential threat level.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows standard XSS attack patterns where attackers craft malicious payloads that are submitted through web forms, URL parameters, or other user-input mechanisms within the IBM Business Process Manager interface. The attack vector typically involves injecting javascript code that can access the victim's browser session, potentially stealing cookies or other session information that would allow attackers to impersonate legitimate users. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting and T1531 for credential access through session manipulation. Organizations using this software are particularly at risk because the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring elevated privileges, and the injected code executes with the privileges of the victim user. The attack can be delivered through various means including phishing emails, compromised web pages, or direct injection into application forms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms across all user-controllable input fields within the web interface. Organizations should deploy proper content security policies to prevent unauthorized script execution and ensure that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being processed or displayed. Regular security updates and patches from IBM should be applied immediately to address this vulnerability, as IBM has likely released remediation measures for this specific flaw. Network-based security controls including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for and block suspicious javascript payloads. Additionally, security awareness training for administrators and end users can help reduce the risk of successful exploitation through social engineering attacks that might deliver malicious payloads. The implementation of proper session management controls and regular security assessments would further reduce the attack surface and potential impact of such vulnerabilities.