CVE-2019-4157 in Security Access Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Access Manager 9.0.1 through 9.0.6 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: 158573.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2023
IBM Security Access Manager version 9.0.1 through 9.0.6 contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical security flaw in the web user interface. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting attacks where malicious scripts are injected into web applications. The flaw enables attackers to inject arbitrary JavaScript code through the web interface, fundamentally compromising the application's integrity and user trust model. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web application's user interface components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited to manipulate user sessions and potentially steal sensitive credentials. When users interact with the vulnerable web interface, attackers can craft malicious payloads that execute within the context of authenticated sessions. This creates a significant risk for credential disclosure since the injected JavaScript code operates with the privileges and permissions of the authenticated user. The vulnerability particularly affects the trusted session model that IBM Security Access Manager relies upon for secure authentication and authorization processes.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for script injection and T1531 for credential access through session manipulation. Attackers can leverage this weakness to create persistent backdoors within the web application, potentially maintaining long-term access to privileged accounts. The IBM X-Force ID 158573 indicates that this vulnerability was recognized as a serious threat requiring immediate attention. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the vulnerability affects the core authentication and access management functionality of the system, making it a prime target for adversaries seeking to establish footholds within enterprise security infrastructures.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation controls, output encoding mechanisms, and web application firewalls to prevent script injection attempts. Regular security updates and patches from IBM should be applied promptly to address the underlying vulnerability. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual script execution patterns within the web interface, and user access should be restricted to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining robust web application security controls and the necessity of regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar flaws in enterprise security infrastructure.