CVE-2018-1912 in DOORS Next Generation
Summary
by MITRE
IBM DOORS Next Generation (DNG/RRC) 6.0.2 through 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: 152736.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1912 affects IBM DOORS Next Generation (DNG/RRC) versions 6.0.2 through 6.0.6, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that compromises web application security. This vulnerability resides within the web user interface of the software, creating an attack vector that enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the application's interface. The flaw specifically targets the web-based components of DNG/RRC, which are designed for collaborative requirements management and traceability in software development environments. The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the intended functionality of the application by executing malicious scripts within the context of a trusted session, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this cross-site scripting vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the web UI components of IBM DOORS Next Generation. When users interact with the application through web interfaces, the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it in the browser context. This insufficient sanitization creates an opportunity for attackers to embed malicious JavaScript payloads that execute within the victim's browser session. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes user-provided data without adequate filtering mechanisms, allowing script tags or other malicious code to be interpreted and executed by the web browser instead of being treated as plain text. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as weaknesses in web applications that allow attackers to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it creates potential for credential theft and session hijacking within trusted environments. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can execute JavaScript code that intercepts user credentials, session tokens, or other sensitive data transmitted within the trusted session context. The attack typically involves crafting malicious input that, when processed by the vulnerable application, executes in the victim's browser and can potentially steal authentication cookies or capture user input. This capability allows attackers to impersonate legitimate users and gain unauthorized access to the DNG/RRC environment, potentially accessing sensitive requirements data, modification capabilities, or administrative functions. The vulnerability particularly impacts organizations that rely on DOORS Next Generation for managing critical software requirements and traceability information.
Organizations utilizing IBM DOORS Next Generation within version ranges 6.0.2 through 6.0.6 should immediately implement mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommended approach involves applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates that address the cross-site scripting flaw in the web interface components. Additionally, network-level mitigations such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by filtering malicious payloads before they reach the vulnerable application. Security administrators should also implement strict input validation policies and monitor application logs for suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection provides guidance for security teams in detecting and responding to exploitation attempts. Organizations should consider implementing content security policies and disabling unnecessary JavaScript functionality within the application to reduce the attack surface. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that the implemented mitigations effectively prevent exploitation of this vulnerability while maintaining operational functionality of the DOORS Next Generation platform.