CVE-2017-1655 in Jazz Foundation
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Jazz Foundation (IBM Rational Collaborative Lifecycle Management 5.0 and 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: 133379.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1655 affects IBM Jazz Foundation components within IBM Rational Collaborative Lifecycle Management versions 5.0 and 6.0, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that compromises web application security. This vulnerability resides in the web user interface of the application, where user input is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to other users. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject malicious JavaScript code through web forms or parameters, which then executes in the context of other users' sessions when they view the affected content. The vulnerability specifically impacts the authentication and session management mechanisms of the application, creating opportunities for attackers to exploit trusted relationships between users and the application.
The technical implementation of this cross-site scripting vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding practices within the IBM Jazz Foundation web components. When user-supplied data is directly incorporated into dynamic web pages without proper sanitization, the application becomes susceptible to script injection attacks. The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the web interface in ways that can capture session cookies, credentials, or other sensitive information from users who interact with the compromised application. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security that enables attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of other users. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious payloads that are submitted through web forms, URL parameters, or other input mechanisms that the application uses to generate dynamic content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it creates significant risks for organizations utilizing IBM Rational Collaborative Lifecycle Management for software development and project management activities. When attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability, they can hijack user sessions, potentially gaining access to sensitive project data, intellectual property, source code repositories, and development artifacts. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the trusted session context, meaning that the injected scripts can access the same permissions and privileges as legitimate users. This allows attackers to perform actions such as modifying project configurations, accessing restricted resources, or stealing authentication tokens that could enable persistent access to the system. The vulnerability also poses risks to the integrity of collaborative development processes, as malicious code could alter project data or interfere with development workflows. Organizations using this software may experience data breaches, compliance violations, and potential regulatory penalties if this vulnerability is exploited.
Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, including immediate patching of affected IBM Rational Collaborative Lifecycle Management installations to versions that contain the necessary security fixes. The recommended approach involves deploying the latest security updates provided by IBM, which typically include enhanced input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent script injection. Additionally, implementing proper web application firewall rules can help detect and block malicious payloads before they reach the application. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unusual traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct thorough code reviews and input validation testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in custom applications built on the same platform. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 - Phishing, as attackers often use XSS vulnerabilities to deliver malicious payloads that can lead to credential theft and session hijacking. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to verify the effectiveness of implemented controls and to identify additional vulnerabilities that may exist within the broader application ecosystem. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures specifically designed to handle XSS-related security incidents, including user session monitoring and credential revocation capabilities to quickly respond to potential exploitation attempts.