CVE-2019-4092 in Content Navigator
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Content Navigator 2.0.3 and 3.0CD could allow a remote attacker to conduct phishing attacks, using an open redirect attack. By persuading a victim to visit a specially-crafted Web site, a remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to spoof the URL displayed to redirect a user to a malicious Web site that would appear to be trusted. This could allow the attacker to obtain highly sensitive information or conduct further attacks against the victim. IBM X-Force ID: 157654.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-4092 affects IBM Content Navigator versions 2.0.3 and 3.0CD, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute open redirect attacks. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-601 category, which specifically addresses open redirect vulnerabilities where applications redirect users to untrusted websites without proper validation. The flaw exists in the web application's handling of redirect parameters, allowing malicious actors to craft URLs that appear legitimate while actually directing users to attacker-controlled domains. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the application's trust in redirect mechanisms, creating a deceptive user experience that undermines security expectations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly validate redirect destinations within its web interface. When users interact with the content navigator application, they may encounter links or parameters that contain redirect instructions. The vulnerability occurs because the application does not sufficiently verify the target URLs against a trusted domain whitelist or implement proper URL sanitization. This allows attackers to construct malicious URLs that, when clicked by victims, appear to originate from legitimate IBM Content Navigator domains while actually redirecting to phishing sites or malicious endpoints. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it leverages the trust users place in the legitimate application interface.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations relying on IBM Content Navigator for document management and content sharing. The phishing capability enables attackers to harvest sensitive user credentials, personal information, or corporate data through social engineering attacks that appear legitimate to end users. The attack chain typically begins with an attacker crafting a malicious URL that exploits the redirect functionality, followed by user interaction that results in the unintended redirection. This vulnerability can lead to credential theft, data exfiltration, and further lateral movement within compromised networks. The impact extends beyond immediate data compromise to include potential regulatory violations and reputational damage when organizations fail to protect user data through such vulnerabilities.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability effectively. The primary defense involves immediate patching of affected IBM Content Navigator versions to remediate the open redirect implementation. Additionally, network-level controls such as web application firewalls can be configured to block suspicious redirect patterns and validate URL destinations before allowing redirection. Input validation controls should be strengthened to ensure all redirect parameters undergo proper sanitization and domain verification. Security awareness training for end users helps reduce susceptibility to phishing attacks by teaching users to verify URLs and recognize suspicious redirects. The mitigation approach should align with defensive techniques outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the T1566 category for phishing attacks, emphasizing both technical controls and user education. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should verify that redirect mechanisms are properly secured and that no similar vulnerabilities exist in related applications or components.