CVE-2017-1607 in DOORS Next Generation
Summary
by MITRE
IBM DOORS Next Generation (DNG/RRC) 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: 132927.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2021
IBM DOORS Next Generation RRC 6.0 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. The flaw allows authenticated users to inject malicious javascript code through input fields or parameters that are not properly sanitized before being rendered back to the user interface. The vulnerability specifically affects the web UI components that handle user-generated content and dynamic data display, creating an environment where malicious scripts can execute in the context of the victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability occurs when user input containing javascript code is processed by the application's backend and subsequently delivered to other users without proper sanitization or encoding. This creates a persistent or reflected XSS scenario depending on how the input is handled and stored within the application's database or session management system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the trusted session context of authenticated users, meaning that successful exploitation could allow attackers to steal session cookies, credentials, or perform actions on behalf of legitimate users. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious input that contains javascript payloads which are then executed when other users view the affected content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution to potentially compromise the entire application security model. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can establish a foothold within the trusted network environment and potentially escalate privileges to access sensitive data or system resources. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of user sessions, as the injected javascript code can capture keystrokes, hijack sessions, or redirect users to malicious sites. According to industry standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, where adversaries leverage browser-based scripting capabilities to execute malicious code. The vulnerability also represents a failure in the application's input validation and output encoding controls, which are fundamental security measures required to prevent such attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's web interface. Organizations should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, employ proper HTML encoding for all user-generated content, and validate all input parameters against strict whitelists. The recommended remediation includes updating to the latest available patch version from IBM, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, and conducting comprehensive security testing including dynamic application security testing and manual penetration testing. Additionally, security awareness training for developers should emphasize the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of direct user input inclusion in web responses. The vulnerability highlights the critical need for secure coding practices and adherence to OWASP Top Ten security guidelines, particularly focusing on input validation and output encoding as primary defense mechanisms against XSS attacks. Organizations should also implement monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures to address successful attacks.