CVE-2019-4137 in Tivoli Storage Productivity Center
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Storage Productivity Center 5.2.13 through 5.3.0.1 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: 158333.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-4137 affects IBM Tivoli Storage Productivity Center versions 5.2.13 through 5.3.0.1, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that compromises the security integrity of the web-based management interface. This vulnerability resides within the application's web user interface where insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it within the browser context. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject malicious JavaScript code through crafted input fields or parameters that are subsequently executed in the context of authenticated users' browsers, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by attackers who gain access to the system through various attack vectors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and demonstrates how inadequate sanitization of user inputs can lead to unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to manipulate the web interface through specially crafted payloads that exploit the application's failure to properly escape or encode dynamic content before rendering it to end users. When authenticated users interact with the compromised interface, their browsers execute the injected JavaScript code within the context of their trusted sessions, potentially enabling attackers to access sensitive session information, credentials, or other confidential data that would normally be protected by the application's security mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to complete session hijacking and credential disclosure within trusted sessions. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, access privileged administrative functions, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users without their knowledge. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability exists in a storage management product that typically requires elevated privileges and handles sensitive operational data. This makes the potential for damage significantly higher, as compromised systems could lead to unauthorized access to critical storage infrastructure, data manipulation, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1531 for credential access through session manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding controls to prevent malicious code injection, along with regular security updates and patches provided by IBM. Organizations should implement proper web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, conduct thorough security testing of web interfaces, and establish monitoring procedures to identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, network segmentation and privileged access controls should be implemented to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation, while user education and security awareness programs can help prevent initial compromise through social engineering or other attack vectors that might lead to this vulnerability being exploited. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper input sanitization and the potential consequences of failing to implement adequate security controls in web-based management interfaces.