CVE-2017-1623 in QRadar
Summary
by MITRE
IBM QRadar 7.2 and 7.3 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: 133121.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1623 affects IBM QRadar versions 7.2 and 7.3, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that compromises the security integrity of the web-based user interface. This vulnerability resides within the application's input validation mechanisms, specifically in how the system processes and renders user-supplied data within the web interface. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject malicious JavaScript code through carefully crafted input fields or parameters that are subsequently executed in the context of other users' sessions. This weakness falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a fundamental web application security vulnerability that has been consistently identified as one of the most prevalent threats in the OWASP Top Ten security risks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it creates a pathway for attackers to hijack user sessions and potentially access sensitive credentials within trusted sessions. When a victim user visits a malicious page or interacts with compromised content, the injected JavaScript code executes in their browser context, allowing attackers to steal session cookies, capture login credentials, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be achieved through simple input manipulation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where QRadar serves as a central security information and event management platform. The IBM X-Force ID 133121 associated with this vulnerability indicates the severity and the attention this flaw received within the security community.
This vulnerability aligns with several tactics and techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and credential access phases. Attackers can leverage this XSS flaw as part of a broader attack chain to establish persistent access to the QRadar environment. The attack typically follows the pattern of delivering malicious payloads through web-based interfaces, exploiting the trust relationship between users and the application to execute code in the victim's browser. The vulnerability's presence in QRadar's web UI means that any user with access to the system could potentially become a vector for further attacks, creating a significant risk for organizations that rely on QRadar for security monitoring and incident response. Organizations utilizing this platform face increased risk of data breaches, unauthorized access to security logs, and potential compromise of the entire security infrastructure.
The remediation approach for CVE-2017-1623 requires immediate implementation of proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms within the QRadar web application. Organizations should apply the vendor-provided security patches and updates that address the specific XSS vulnerability in the affected versions. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies, input validation, and output encoding can significantly reduce the attack surface. Security teams should also consider deploying web application firewalls and implementing monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the security infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security controls and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against persistent threats targeting web applications and security management platforms.