CVE-2017-1506 in Cognos TM1
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Cognos TM1 10.2 and 10.2.2 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: 129617.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2021
IBM Cognos TM1 versions 10.2 and 10.2.2 contain a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical security weakness in the web-based user interface. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The flaw allows authenticated users to inject malicious JavaScript code through input fields or parameters within the web interface, potentially compromising the integrity of the application's intended behavior. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it within the web application's response. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that execute within the context of a victim's browser session, leveraging the trust relationship between the user and the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it creates opportunities for credential theft and session hijacking attacks. When a malicious script executes within a user's browser, it can access and exfiltrate sensitive session cookies, authentication tokens, or other confidential data that the user has access to within the TM1 application. This risk is particularly severe because the vulnerability affects authenticated users, meaning that an attacker who can inject malicious code can potentially escalate privileges or gain access to additional system resources. The vulnerability enables techniques such as session fixation, cookie theft, and man-in-the-middle attacks that can compromise the confidentiality and integrity of business intelligence data. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for script injection and T1531 for credential access through web application vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass both immediate patching and defensive measures. Organizations should prioritize applying the official IBM security patches released for TM1 versions 10.2 and 10.2.2 to address the root cause of the XSS vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms can serve as effective compensating controls. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring and filtering suspicious traffic patterns. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in the broader application ecosystem. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can further limit the execution of unauthorized scripts within the application context. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication and regular security awareness training for users to reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.