CVE-2018-1848 in Business Automation Workflow
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Business Automation Workflow 18.0.0.0 and 18.0.0.1 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: 150947.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1848 affects IBM Business Automation Workflow versions 18.0.0.0 and 18.0.0.1, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that compromises the security integrity of the web-based user interface. This vulnerability stems from insufficient 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-provided data is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to the browser, creating an environment where attacker-controlled scripts can execute within the context of legitimate user sessions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input containing JavaScript code that gets processed and displayed within the workflow application's web interface. This cross-site scripting vulnerability specifically falls under CWE-79, which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged to bypass normal security restrictions. The vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate the intended functionality of the application by injecting malicious scripts that can capture user credentials, session tokens, or other sensitive information transmitted within the trusted session context. When victims interact with the compromised application, their browsers execute the injected JavaScript code, potentially leading to complete session hijacking and unauthorized access to business automation workflows.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it fundamentally undermines the trust model of the IBM Business Automation Workflow environment. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform session hijacking attacks, steal authentication tokens, and potentially escalate privileges within the workflow system. The vulnerability's presence in versions 18.0.0.0 and 18.0.0.1 creates widespread exposure across organizations utilizing these specific releases, particularly in enterprise environments where workflow automation systems handle sensitive business processes and confidential data. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531, which involves the use of unauthorized access to system or network resources, and represents a significant threat to the confidentiality and integrity of business processes managed through the automation workflow platform.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided security patches, implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of their workflow environments. The remediation process should involve thorough code reviews to ensure all user-controllable input is properly sanitized before processing, and all output is appropriately encoded to prevent script execution. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious script injection attempts, while establishing monitoring procedures to identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should review their access control measures and session management protocols to minimize the potential impact of credential theft and unauthorized access that could result from successful exploitation of this cross-site scripting vulnerability.