CVE-2019-4149 in Business Automation Workflow
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Business Automation Workflow V18.0.0.0 through V18.0.0.2 and IBM Business Process Manager V8.6.0.0 through V8.6.0.0 Cumulative Fix 2018.03, V8.5.7.0 through V8.5.7.0 Cumulative Fix 2017.06, and V8.5.6.0 through V8.5.6.0 CF2 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: 158415.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2023
IBM Business Automation Workflow and Business Process Manager products contain a cross-site scripting vulnerability that enables attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code into web interfaces. This vulnerability exists in multiple versions including IBM Business Automation Workflow V18.0.0.0 through V18.0.0.2 and IBM Business Process Manager V8.6.0.0 through V8.6.0.0 Cumulative Fix 2018.03, V8.5.7.0 through V8.5.7.0 Cumulative Fix 2017.06, and V8.5.6.0 through V8.5.6.0 CF2. The flaw allows unauthorized users to embed arbitrary JavaScript code within the web user interface, fundamentally altering the intended functionality of the applications. This cross-site scripting vulnerability specifically enables attackers to manipulate the web interface in ways that can lead to credential disclosure during trusted sessions. The vulnerability represents a significant security risk as it can be exploited to perform session hijacking attacks, steal user authentication tokens, and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive business processes and workflow data. The technical implementation of this flaw likely involves insufficient input validation and output encoding in the web application's user interface components, allowing malicious payloads to be executed within the context of authenticated user sessions. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-79 which describes Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications. The attack vector typically involves injecting malicious script through user input fields, URL parameters, or other web interface components that do not properly sanitize or encode user-supplied data before rendering it in the browser. The operational impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to modify business processes, manipulate workflow execution, and potentially disrupt critical business operations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 which involves the use of credentials from password reuse or credential stuffing attacks, as stolen session tokens could be used to escalate privileges within the business automation environment. Organizations using these affected IBM products should immediately implement input validation controls, output encoding mechanisms, and proper web application firewall rules to prevent malicious script injection. The recommended mitigation strategy includes applying the latest cumulative fixes and security patches provided by IBM, implementing comprehensive input sanitization routines, and conducting regular security assessments of web interfaces to identify potential injection points. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to prevent unauthorized script execution, and establish monitoring procedures to detect suspicious user activity patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches in enterprise workflow automation systems where sensitive business data and processes are handled, as these systems often serve as central points of access for corporate information and workflow management.