CVE-2017-1650 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: 133260.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1650 affects IBM DOORS Next Generation (DNG/RRC) version 6.0, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that compromises the web-based user interface security. This vulnerability exists within the application's input validation mechanisms, specifically in how the system processes user-supplied data within the web interface components. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code through carefully crafted input fields or parameters that are then executed within the context of other users' browser sessions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The vulnerability operates by failing to properly sanitize or encode user input before rendering it within the web interface, creating an environment where attacker-controlled JavaScript can be executed. This occurs when the application directly incorporates user-supplied data into web pages without appropriate validation or output encoding measures, allowing the malicious code to execute in the victim's browser context.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing IBM DNG/RRC 6.0 for requirements management and collaboration. The successful exploitation enables attackers to manipulate the intended functionality of the application by injecting JavaScript code that can capture user credentials, session tokens, or other sensitive information transmitted within trusted sessions. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as the injected code can potentially redirect users to malicious sites, modify application behavior, or establish persistent backdoors within the environment.
The security implications of this vulnerability extend into the realm of advanced persistent threats and credential harvesting attacks, which align with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the credential access and execution domains. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to perform session hijacking, steal authentication tokens, or conduct more sophisticated attacks that exploit the trust relationship between users and the application. The vulnerability's presence in a requirements management system particularly concerning, as it could compromise sensitive project information and intellectual property.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding controls to prevent user-supplied data from being executed as JavaScript code. The recommended approach involves deploying web application firewalls, implementing proper content security policies, and ensuring all user inputs are properly sanitized before processing. Additionally, upgrading to patched versions of IBM DNG/RRC 6.0 or applying the vendor's security patches would provide definitive remediation. Regular security testing and monitoring of user sessions should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts, while user education regarding suspicious website behavior and session security practices remains crucial for comprehensive defense.