CVE-2017-1772 in Worklight
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Worklight (IBM MobileFirst Platform Foundation 6.3, 7.0, 7.1, and 8.0) 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: 136786.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1772 affects IBM Worklight, which is part of the IBM MobileFirst Platform Foundation suite. This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists in versions 6.3, 7.0, 7.1, and 8.0 of the platform, representing a significant security weakness that could compromise user sessions and sensitive data. The flaw specifically resides in the web user interface where user input is not properly sanitized, allowing malicious actors to inject JavaScript code that can manipulate the intended functionality of the application. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is a well-documented weakness in web applications where untrusted data is improperly handled in the browser. The attack vector leverages the platform's web interface to execute malicious scripts in the context of a user's session, potentially enabling credential theft and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to embed arbitrary JavaScript code within the web UI components of IBM Worklight applications. When a user interacts with the vulnerable interface, the malicious script executes in the browser context of the authenticated user, potentially capturing session tokens, login credentials, or other sensitive information. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as the injected JavaScript can manipulate the user interface to perform actions on behalf of the authenticated user, effectively enabling session hijacking or privilege escalation. This weakness is particularly dangerous because it operates within the trusted session context, meaning the malicious code executes with the same privileges and permissions as legitimate user interactions. The vulnerability represents a critical risk to enterprise mobile applications that rely on IBM Worklight for backend services and user authentication management.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-1772 extends beyond immediate credential theft to encompass broader security implications for mobile enterprise environments. Organizations utilizing IBM MobileFirst Platform Foundation may experience unauthorized access to mobile applications, data breaches, and potential compromise of corporate mobile infrastructure. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious links in emails, compromised mobile applications, or social engineering campaigns that trick users into interacting with malicious content. Security teams face increased risk of persistent threats as the injected JavaScript can establish backdoors or maintain access even after initial exploitation. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can lead to unauthorized modifications of application behavior, potentially causing service disruption or data manipulation. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that IBM Worklight is designed for enterprise mobile applications where sensitive business data and user credentials are routinely handled.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-1772 should include immediate patching of affected IBM Worklight versions to address the cross-site scripting vulnerability. Organizations must implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent JavaScript injection in web interfaces. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution in the browser context. Security teams should conduct thorough code reviews and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in custom mobile applications built on the IBM MobileFirst Platform Foundation. Regular security monitoring and user education programs are essential to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and network segmentation to limit the impact of potential exploitation. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that security patches do not disrupt existing mobile application functionality while maintaining the integrity of enterprise mobile services. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security measures in mobile enterprise platforms and highlights the need for continuous security assessment of mobile application frameworks.