CVE-2018-1983 in Rational Team Concert
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Rational Team Concert 5.0 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: 154136.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2023
IBM Rational Team Concert versions 5.0 through 6.0.6 contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical 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 user-controllable input fields. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages, creating an environment where attackers can execute arbitrary scripts in the context of authenticated users' sessions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input that gets processed and displayed within the web interface without proper sanitization. This allows the injected JavaScript code to execute in the browser of any user who views the affected content, potentially enabling session hijacking, credential theft, and other malicious activities. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses the failure to properly escape or encode user input before incorporating it into web pages. This weakness creates a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate the intended behavior of the application and compromise user sessions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to complete session compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. When authenticated users interact with the compromised application interface, their browser sessions become vulnerable to manipulation, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, access restricted functionality, or perform actions on behalf of legitimate users. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Rational Team Concert is typically used in enterprise environments where users maintain privileged access to development tools and sensitive project data. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it enables adversaries to execute malicious JavaScript code within the context of the victim's browser session.
Organizations utilizing IBM Rational Team Concert versions within the affected range face significant security risks that require immediate attention. The vulnerability's potential for credential disclosure makes it particularly dangerous in environments where users maintain elevated privileges or access to sensitive development resources. Mitigation strategies should include immediate application of IBM's security patches and updates, implementation of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, and enhanced input validation measures. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing content security policies to limit script execution capabilities and conduct regular security assessments of their development environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices in web applications, as outlined in OWASP Top Ten Project recommendations for preventing cross-site scripting attacks.