CVE-2017-2658 in JBoss BPM Suite
Summary
by MITRE
It was discovered that the Dashbuilder login page as used in Red Hat JBoss BPM Suite before 6.4.2 and Red Hat JBoss Data Virtualization & Services before 6.4.3 could be opened in an IFRAME, which made it possible to intercept and manipulate requests. An attacker could use this flaw to trick a user into performing arbitrary actions in the Console (clickjacking).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2658 represents a critical clickjacking flaw in the Dashbuilder login page component of Red Hat JBoss BPM Suite and Red Hat JBoss Data Virtualization & Services products. This security weakness stems from improper implementation of frame-busting techniques and inadequate protection mechanisms that should prevent web applications from being embedded within iframes by external domains. The vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 6.4.2 for JBoss BPM Suite and 6.4.3 for JBoss Data Virtualization & Services, indicating a widespread issue across multiple enterprise middleware platforms. The flaw allows attackers to create malicious web pages that embed the vulnerable login interface within invisible or deceptive iframes, creating a dangerous attack vector that can compromise user sessions and system integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental principle of web security where user authentication pages should never be rendered within iframes to prevent clickjacking attacks. When the Dashbuilder login page lacks proper X-Frame-Options headers or Content Security Policy directives, it becomes susceptible to being embedded within malicious web pages. This allows attackers to overlay transparent or semi-transparent elements on top of the login interface, tricking users into clicking on seemingly legitimate interface elements while actually interacting with the attacker's malicious controls. The vulnerability essentially removes the security boundary that should exist between the user's browser and the application's authentication interface, creating a scenario where user actions can be manipulated without their knowledge or consent.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2658 extends beyond simple session hijacking to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could manipulate user sessions, perform unauthorized actions within the console, and potentially gain elevated privileges within the JBoss ecosystem. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-1021, which specifically addresses Improper Restriction of Rendered UI Layers or Frames, and represents a classic example of how insufficient frame protection mechanisms can lead to session manipulation attacks. The attack surface is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where JBoss products are commonly used for business process management and data virtualization, as these systems often handle sensitive business data and critical operational workflows. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects components used for console access, meaning that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including the deployment of proper X-Frame-Options headers set to DENY or SAMEORIGIN, along with Content Security Policy directives that prevent embedding of the application within iframes. The recommended solution involves updating to the patched versions of Red Hat JBoss BPM Suite 6.4.2 and Red Hat JBoss Data Virtualization & Services 6.4.3, which contain the necessary security fixes. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their JBoss deployments to identify any other components that might be susceptible to similar clickjacking vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1056.001 - Input Injection: GUI Input Injection, and T1551.003 - Use Alternate Authentication Material: Password Sniping, as the attack leverages user interface manipulation to achieve unauthorized access. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security monitoring to detect potential clickjacking attempts and ensure that their web application security configurations properly enforce frame protection mechanisms across all authentication interfaces.