CVE-2018-1872 in Maximo Asset Management
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Maximo Asset Management 7.6 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: 151330.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2023
IBM Maximo Asset Management version 7.6 contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical security weakness 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 application's handling of user-supplied data that is subsequently rendered in web pages without proper sanitization, creating an environment where attackers can execute arbitrary scripts in the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input containing javascript payloads that get stored or processed by the application and then executed in the browser of authenticated users. This cross-site scripting vulnerability specifically enables attackers to manipulate the web application's functionality and potentially steal session cookies, which contain authentication credentials that allow unauthorized access to the system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the trusted session context, meaning that any malicious code executed can leverage existing user permissions and access levels.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can lead to complete system compromise when attackers leverage stolen session tokens to perform administrative actions within the Maximo environment. Attackers can use this vulnerability to escalate privileges, access sensitive asset management data, modify records, and potentially disrupt business operations. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the asset management system, as it allows unauthorized access to critical business information and can facilitate further attacks within the network infrastructure. According to industry standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-79 - Cross-site Scripting and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 - Account Access Removal and T1566 - Phishing, as it enables credential theft through web-based attacks.
Organizations utilizing IBM Maximo Asset Management 7.6 should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and content security policies to prevent javascript injection. The most effective remediation involves applying the official IBM security patches and updates, implementing proper input sanitization mechanisms, and configuring web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script injections. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their Maximo installations, implement regular vulnerability scanning, and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. The security controls should include strict validation of all user inputs, proper encoding of output data, and implementation of security headers to prevent script execution in the browser context.