CVE-2018-1376 in Security Guardium Big Data Intelligence
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Guardium Big Data Intelligence (SonarG) 3.1 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: 137777.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1376 affects IBM Security Guardium Big Data Intelligence (SonarG) version 3.1, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that compromises the integrity of the web-based user interface. This vulnerability resides within the application's input validation mechanisms, specifically failing to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it within the web interface. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code through carefully crafted input fields or parameters that are subsequently executed in the context of authenticated users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient output encoding and input validation practices within the SonarG web application framework. When user-provided data is processed and displayed without proper sanitization, the system becomes susceptible to XSS attacks that can execute arbitrary scripts in the victim's browser. This particular vulnerability is classified as a persistent XSS flaw since the malicious code can be stored and executed across multiple sessions, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where administrative privileges are commonly used.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it creates potential pathways for credential theft and session hijacking within trusted network environments. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could steal session cookies, modify application functionality, or redirect users to malicious sites that appear legitimate. The security implications are particularly severe given that the affected system is designed for security monitoring and intelligence gathering, making it a valuable target for adversaries seeking to compromise sensitive network data and access controls. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and represents a significant deviation from secure coding practices that should prevent user input from being directly rendered without proper sanitization.
Organizations utilizing IBM Security Guardium Big Data Intelligence version 3.1 should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and content security policy implementations. The recommended approach involves deploying web application firewalls to filter malicious payloads, implementing proper HTML escaping for all user-supplied data, and ensuring that all input fields undergo rigorous validation before processing. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing strict access controls and monitoring for suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers scripting through web shells, and highlights the importance of maintaining secure web application development practices. Organizations should prioritize patching the vulnerability through IBM's official security updates, as the manufacturer has likely released remediation measures to address this specific XSS implementation flaw.