CVE-2017-1739 in Curam Social Program Management
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Curam Social Program Management 6.0.5, 6.1.1, 6.2.0, and 7.0.1 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: 134921.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2021
IBM Curam Social Program Management versions 6.0.5, 6.1.1, 6.2.0, and 7.0.1 contain 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, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious JavaScript code through user-controllable input fields. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it within web pages, creating an environment where attacker-controlled scripts can execute in the context of authenticated user sessions. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in web applications that allow attackers to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This particular vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the trusted session context, meaning that any malicious code executed can potentially access session cookies, authentication tokens, and other sensitive information that the authenticated user has access to. The attack vector typically involves an attacker crafting malicious input that gets stored or reflected in the web application, which is then executed when other users view the affected page or interact with the compromised content. When successful, this vulnerability enables attackers to steal session credentials, modify data, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as the compromised session can provide access to sensitive social program management data, potentially affecting vulnerable populations and confidential case information. Organizations using these vulnerable versions face significant risk of unauthorized access to their social program management systems, which could lead to data breaches, privacy violations, and regulatory compliance issues. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 which describes the use of credentials from password managers or session hijacking to maintain access to compromised systems. The IBM X-Force ID 134921 further emphasizes the severity and specific nature of this vulnerability within the IBM ecosystem. Remediation efforts should focus on implementing proper input validation, output encoding, and Content Security Policy headers to prevent script injection attacks. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security testing of web applications, implement web application firewalls, and ensure all systems are updated to patched versions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper sanitization of user inputs in web applications that handle sensitive data, particularly in systems designed for social program management where privacy and data protection are paramount.