CVE-2019-4450 in IBM
Summary
by MITRE
IBM i 7.2, 7.3, and 7.4 for i 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: 163492.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-4450 affects IBM i operating system versions 7.2, 7.3, and 7.4, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that compromises the security of the web-based user interface. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically targeting the web interface components of IBM i systems. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the web UI, fundamentally undermining the integrity of the system's user authentication and session management mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the web interface components of IBM i systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that get executed within the context of a legitimate user's browser session. When a victim interacts with the compromised web interface, the embedded JavaScript code executes automatically, potentially capturing session cookies, credentials, or other sensitive information. This execution occurs within the trusted session context, making the attack particularly dangerous as it bypasses normal security boundaries and authentication checks.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-4450 extends beyond simple data theft, as it creates persistent security risks for organizations relying on IBM i systems for critical business operations. Successful exploitation could lead to complete session hijacking, unauthorized access to sensitive data, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where IBM i systems are exposed to external networks or where users have administrative privileges, as the stolen credentials could provide access to critical system functions and data repositories. Organizations may experience unauthorized modifications to system configurations, data exfiltration, and potential disruption of business processes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of the vendor-provided security patches and updates for IBM i versions 7.2, 7.3, and 7.4. Organizations should also deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious requests targeting the web interface components. Input validation controls and output encoding mechanisms should be strengthened throughout the web application stack to prevent similar injection attacks. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious JavaScript code patterns and unusual user behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for Scripting and T1566.001 for Spearphishing Attachment, highlighting the need for comprehensive security awareness training and email filtering solutions to prevent initial compromise through malicious attachments or links that could exploit this vulnerability.