CVE-2018-1891 in Security Guardium
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Guardium 10 and 10.5 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: 152082.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2023
IBM Security Guardium version 10 and 10.5 contains a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a significant security weakness in 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 crafted user inputs. The flaw exists in the web user interface layer where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to the browser, creating an environment where attackers can execute arbitrary scripts in the context of authenticated users' sessions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the absence of proper sanitization controls in the web application's input handling processes. When users interact with the Guardium interface, particularly when submitting data through forms or URL parameters, the application fails to adequately filter or encode special characters that could be interpreted as executable code by web browsers. 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. The vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that can execute within the victim's browser session, potentially capturing session cookies, credentials, or other sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it can lead to complete session hijacking and privilege escalation within the Guardium environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially access sensitive database monitoring data, administrative functions, and security configurations that the authenticated user has access to. The threat is particularly concerning because it operates within a trusted session context, meaning the malicious code executes with the privileges of the legitimate user. This could result in unauthorized access to critical security monitoring data, modification of database activity logs, or even the ability to bypass security controls that Guardium is designed to enforce. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious links sent via email, compromised web pages, or through social engineering techniques that trick users into executing the malicious payload.
Organizations using IBM Security Guardium versions 10 and 10.5 should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates. The recommended approach involves implementing proper input validation and output encoding controls throughout the web application, specifically ensuring that all user-supplied data is sanitized before being rendered in the browser. Additionally, implementing content security policies and using secure coding practices that prevent the execution of untrusted code can significantly reduce the risk. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection and T1531 for credential access through session hijacking. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious script injection attempts, as the attack surface extends beyond simple user interface interactions to potentially include automated exploitation through malicious web content. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on input validation controls are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future deployments.