CVE-2018-1602 in Rational Quality Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Rational Quality Manager (RQM) 5.0 through 5.02 and 6.0 through 6.0.6 are 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: 143792.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/22/2023
IBM Rational Quality Manager versions 5.0 through 5.02 and 6.0 through 6.0.6 contain a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical security flaw in the web-based user interface. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the application's web framework, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious JavaScript code through user-controllable parameters. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input before rendering it within web pages, creating an opening for attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without proper sanitization. The attack vector typically involves an attacker crafting malicious input containing JavaScript payloads that get executed when other users view affected web pages. This particular vulnerability in RQM allows for session hijacking and credential theft because the injected scripts can access cookies, local storage, and other session-related data that browsers maintain for authenticated users. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it can enable full session compromise and potentially allow attackers to perform privileged actions within the application on behalf of legitimate users.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe for organizations relying on IBM Rational Quality Manager for software testing and quality assurance processes. When exploited, the vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive test data, test configurations, and user credentials that may have elevated privileges within the system. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain access to proprietary software testing information, manipulate test results, or escalate their privileges within the application. The Trusted Session compromise aspect is particularly concerning as it undermines the fundamental security model of the application, allowing attackers to operate within the context of legitimate user sessions without detection.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability effectively. Immediate remediation involves applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates released by IBM to address the cross-site scripting flaw. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional detection and prevention capabilities, though they should not be considered the primary defense mechanism. Input validation controls should be strengthened at both the application and network levels to prevent malicious payloads from being processed. Regular security testing including dynamic application security testing and manual penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The mitigation strategy should also include user education regarding phishing attempts and suspicious links that may exploit this vulnerability, as well as implementing proper access controls and session management practices to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.