CVE-2018-1690 in Rhapsody Model Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Rhapsody Model Manager 6.0.6 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: 145510.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1690 affects IBM Rhapsody Model Manager version 6.0.6, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that compromises the web-based user interface of this enterprise modeling platform. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically manifesting as a reflected XSS attack vector that enables malicious actors to inject executable JavaScript code into the application's web interface. The flaw exists due to insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web application's processing pipeline, allowing untrusted data to be rendered without proper sanitization. The affected system processes user-supplied input through various web forms and URL parameters without adequate protection against script injection attempts, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by attackers to manipulate the intended behavior of the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to establish persistent sessions within the trusted environment of the application. When a victim user accesses a maliciously crafted URL or interacts with compromised web content, the embedded JavaScript code executes within the context of their active session, potentially enabling credential theft, session hijacking, and unauthorized access to sensitive modeling data. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, typically involving social engineering tactics to convince victims to click on malicious links or visit compromised web pages. The attack vector specifically targets the web user interface components of the Rhapsody Model Manager, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely heavily on collaborative modeling environments where multiple users interact with shared model repositories. This creates a significant risk for intellectual property exposure and unauthorized system access within enterprise development environments.
Organizations utilizing IBM Rhapsody Model Manager 6.0.6 should prioritize immediate remediation through official IBM patches and updates to address this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategy involves implementing comprehensive input validation mechanisms, output encoding for all user-supplied data, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script injection attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing strict content security policies to prevent unauthorized script execution and establish monitoring protocols to detect anomalous user behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education programs should be implemented to raise awareness about phishing attacks and social engineering tactics commonly employed to deliver XSS payloads. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1531 for credential access through session manipulation, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the threat. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components and ensure comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors across their enterprise infrastructure.