CVE-2019-4106 in WebSphere eXtreme Scale
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere eXtreme Scale 8.6 Admin Console 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: 158099.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2023
IBM WebSphere eXtreme Scale 8.6 Admin Console contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical security weakness in the web-based administrative interface. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user input within the web user interface components, specifically affecting the administrative console's ability to properly sanitize and validate data submitted by users. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject malicious JavaScript code into the web application's response, which then executes in the context of other users' browser sessions. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security that directly relates to the improper handling of user-supplied data. The attack vector occurs when an authenticated user interacts with the vulnerable console, making this a particularly dangerous flaw as it can be exploited within the context of a trusted session where users have elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it creates a potential pathway for credential theft and session hijacking within the administrative environment. When a victim user accesses a page containing the malicious script, the injected JavaScript code can execute in their browser context and potentially steal session cookies, authentication tokens, or other sensitive information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the administrative console where users have elevated privileges and access to sensitive system configurations, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or escalate privileges. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to capture credentials from legitimate administrators or to manipulate the administrative interface to perform unauthorized actions. The IBM X-Force ID 158099 further validates the severity of this issue, indicating that it represents a known threat that requires immediate attention.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the web application's codebase. The most effective approach involves implementing proper sanitization of all user-supplied input before it is processed or rendered in the web interface, which directly addresses the CWE-79 weakness. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script injection attempts, while also implementing strict content security policies to prevent unauthorized script execution. The remediation process requires thorough code review and implementation of proper encoding techniques such as HTML entity encoding for data displayed in the web interface. Additionally, implementing proper session management controls and regular security testing can help prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts and monitoring for unusual administrative activities that could indicate compromise. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, which describes how attackers can use JavaScript to execute malicious code in web browsers, and T1566.002 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, which highlights how attackers might deliver malicious payloads through compromised administrative interfaces. Regular patching and security updates are essential to prevent exploitation, as IBM has likely released security fixes for this specific vulnerability in subsequent releases of WebSphere eXtreme Scale.