CVE-2018-1728 in QRadar SIEM
Summary
by MITRE
IBM QRadar SIEM 7.2 and 7.3 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: 147707.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2023
IBM QRadar SIEM version 7.2 and 7.3 contains 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 components, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious JavaScript code through user-controllable input fields. The flaw exists in the web UI layer where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to the browser, creating an opening for attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of a victim's session.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the failure to properly escape or encode user input before displaying it in web pages. When legitimate users interact with the QRadar interface, any data entered into form fields or URL parameters that is subsequently rendered back to the browser without proper sanitization creates opportunities for attackers to embed malicious scripts. This weakness falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically manifesting as stored or reflected XSS depending on how the malicious payload is delivered and persisted within the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to hijack user sessions and potentially access sensitive information. When an authenticated user views a page containing malicious JavaScript, the code executes within the user's browser context with the same privileges as the legitimate user. This session hijacking capability can lead to unauthorized access to security events, logs, and configuration data, while also enabling credential theft through techniques such as cookie manipulation or form hijacking. The vulnerability particularly threatens the integrity of the security monitoring environment since QRadar users typically possess elevated privileges and access to critical security information.
Organizations utilizing IBM QRadar SIEM versions 7.2 and 7.3 face significant risk exposure from this vulnerability, as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing campaigns, compromised user accounts, or social engineering tactics that trick users into executing malicious payloads. The attack surface is broad since the vulnerability affects core web interface functionality and can be triggered through multiple input points within the application. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 for Account Access Removal and T1078 for Valid Accounts, as successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to privileged accounts and the ability to maintain persistent access to the security monitoring infrastructure. Mitigation strategies include applying the vendor-provided security patches, implementing web application firewalls, and establishing input validation controls to prevent malicious code injection. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments and user awareness training to reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation through social engineering approaches.