CVE-2019-4201 in Jazz for Service Management
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Jazz for Service Management 1.1.3, 1.1.3.1, and 1.1.3.2 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: 159122.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2023
This vulnerability resides within IBM Jazz for Service Management versions 1.1.3, 1.1.3.1, and 1.1.3.2, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute open redirect attacks. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied redirect parameters within the web application's redirect functionality. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that appear legitimate to users while secretly redirecting them to malicious endpoints, exploiting the trust users place in the original domain. The flaw operates at the application layer and specifically targets the web interface's redirect mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently interact with service management portals. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-601, which classifies open redirect vulnerabilities as a serious concern for web application security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple phishing attempts, creating a comprehensive attack vector that can facilitate credential theft, data exfiltration, and further exploitation. When users click on maliciously crafted links, they are unknowingly redirected to attacker-controlled domains that mimic legitimate service management interfaces. The attack chain typically begins with social engineering, where victims are lured to visit compromised websites, followed by automatic redirection to malicious endpoints that appear trustworthy. This creates a dangerous environment where users may unknowingly provide credentials, personal information, or execute malicious code within what they believe to be secure service management applications. The vulnerability can be exploited across various attack vectors including email campaigns, compromised websites, and social media platforms, making it particularly effective for large-scale operations.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1566 technique for Phishing, specifically targeting the initial access phase of attack chains. The open redirect functionality creates a persistent attack surface that can be leveraged for multiple malicious activities, including credential harvesting, malware distribution, and advanced persistent threat campaigns. Organizations utilizing IBM Jazz for Service Management must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability on their security posture, particularly in environments where sensitive service management data is processed. The attack requires minimal technical expertise from threat actors, making it an attractive target for both sophisticated and amateur attackers. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the trust relationship users have with service management platforms, which often contain sensitive business information and access credentials.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch management and implementation of comprehensive web application security controls. Organizations must prioritize updating to patched versions of IBM Jazz for Service Management, as IBM has released security fixes addressing this vulnerability. Network-level protections should include implementing strict URL validation and sanitization policies, particularly for redirect parameters. Web application firewalls and security monitoring systems should be configured to detect and block suspicious redirect patterns. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of verifying URL authenticity before proceeding through redirects, even when appearing to come from trusted sources. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers and proper input validation can significantly reduce the attack surface, while regular security assessments should include testing for similar redirect vulnerabilities across the entire application stack. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication and access controls to limit the potential damage from successful phishing attacks.