CVE-2019-4237 in InfoSphere Information Server
Summary
by MITRE
A Cross-Frame Scripting vulnerability in IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.3, 11.5, and 11.7 can allow an attacker to load the vulnerable application inside an HTML iframe tag on a malicious page. IBM X-Force ID: 159419.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-4237 represents a critical cross-frame scripting flaw within IBM InfoSphere Information Server versions 11.3, 11.5, and 11.7. This security weakness stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it within web interfaces. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes content that could be manipulated through iframe embedding techniques, creating an attack vector where malicious actors can exploit the system's failure to enforce proper security boundaries. The flaw allows unauthorized parties to inject and execute malicious scripts across different security contexts, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data processed through the information server platform.
Cross-frame scripting vulnerabilities occur when web applications fail to properly isolate content loaded within different frames or iframes, enabling malicious actors to manipulate the security context of web pages. This particular vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically highlighting the failure to prevent cross-frame scripting attacks. The attack scenario involves embedding the vulnerable IBM InfoSphere Information Server application within an HTML iframe tag on a malicious web page, thereby bypassing traditional security controls that would normally prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. This technique exploits the browser's same-origin policy limitations and demonstrates how insufficient security controls can be circumvented through clever manipulation of web page structures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, potentially enabling attackers to perform unauthorized data manipulation, execute malicious commands, and gain access to sensitive information processed by the information server. Organizations utilizing these vulnerable versions face significant risks including potential data breaches, unauthorized system access, and compromise of business-critical information assets. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and disruption of business operations, particularly in environments where the information server handles confidential data such as customer information, financial records, or proprietary business intelligence. Security professionals must consider the potential for cascading effects when analyzing this vulnerability, as successful exploitation could provide attackers with footholds for further reconnaissance and lateral movement within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-4237 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding controls to prevent the injection of malicious content into web interfaces. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches and updates released for IBM InfoSphere Information Server versions 11.3, 11.5, and 11.7. Additional protective measures include implementing strict content security policies, disabling unnecessary iframe functionality, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities. The mitigation approach should align with ATT&CK framework techniques related to defense evasion and privilege escalation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining secure coding practices and implementing proper security controls. Organizations should also consider network segmentation, access controls, and monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security training for developers and administrators remains crucial in preventing similar vulnerabilities through improved security awareness and adherence to secure development practices.