CVE-2019-4033 in Content Navigator
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Content Navigator 2.0.3 and 3.0CD 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: 155999.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2023
IBM Content Navigator versions 2.0.3 and 3.0CD contain 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 exists in the application's handling of user-supplied data that is subsequently rendered in the web interface without proper sanitization. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted input that, when processed and displayed by the application, executes arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of a victim's browser session. This vulnerability specifically affects the web UI components where user input is directly incorporated into dynamic content generation, creating an environment where malicious scripts can be executed in the victim's browser.
The operational impact of this cross-site scripting vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attacks that compromise user sessions and potentially lead to credential theft. When a victim interacts with the vulnerable application, the injected JavaScript code can access session cookies, form data, and other sensitive information that the browser maintains for the authenticated session. This creates a pathway for attackers to hijack user sessions and gain unauthorized access to content management resources. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within a trusted session context, meaning that the malicious code executes with the privileges and permissions of the authenticated user. The attack vector typically involves social engineering techniques where users are tricked into clicking on malicious links or visiting compromised web pages that contain the malicious payloads. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical expertise and can be accomplished through standard web application attack methodologies. Attackers can leverage the vulnerability to perform session hijacking, steal authentication tokens, and potentially access sensitive content management systems. The IBM X-Force ID 155999 indicates that this vulnerability has been recognized within the security community and has been assigned appropriate identification for tracking and remediation purposes. Organizations using IBM Content Navigator versions 2.0.3 and 3.0CD face significant risk of unauthorized access and data compromise. The vulnerability can be exploited through various means including crafted URLs, malicious file uploads, or by manipulating form inputs that are not properly validated. Given that this is a web-based interface vulnerability, it can be exploited from remote locations without requiring physical access to the system. The attack can be automated using common penetration testing tools and scripts designed to identify and exploit XSS vulnerabilities in web applications.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches released by IBM to address this vulnerability. The recommended approach involves deploying proper input validation mechanisms and output encoding for all user-supplied data that is rendered in the web interface. Security controls should include implementing Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution, employing proper sanitization of user inputs, and ensuring that all web application components properly encode output to prevent script injection. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script injection attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in the broader application ecosystem. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the applied patches do not introduce regressions in application functionality. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should be implemented to help users recognize potentially malicious links and avoid interacting with compromised content. Organizations should also establish monitoring procedures to detect unusual activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and the critical need for continuous vulnerability management in enterprise content management systems. The attack patterns associated with this vulnerability align with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering attacks and T1531 which addresses credential access through web application exploitation.