CVE-2019-4747 in Team Concert
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Team Concert (RTC) 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: 172887.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2020
IBM Team Concert version 6.0.1 and earlier contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding in the web user interface. This flaw exists in the application's handling of user-supplied data that is subsequently rendered without proper sanitization, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject JavaScript payloads into web pages. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that gets reflected back to other users through the web interface, potentially enabling session hijacking attacks where credentials and other sensitive information could be disclosed within a trusted session context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when user input is processed and displayed in the web UI without adequate encoding or filtering mechanisms. This allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers, leveraging the trust relationship that exists between the application and its users. The attack vector is typically through web forms, URL parameters, or any input field that accepts user data and subsequently renders it within the application's interface. When exploited, the malicious JavaScript code can perform actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or modifying the application's functionality to capture sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it represents a significant threat to the integrity and confidentiality of the development environment. IBM Team Concert serves as a collaboration platform for software development teams, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking access to source code repositories, development artifacts, and other intellectual property. The vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive development data, potentially compromising the security of entire software development lifecycles. Additionally, the credential disclosure aspect of this vulnerability poses a direct threat to authentication mechanisms, allowing attackers to impersonate legitimate users within the trusted session context.
Organizations using IBM Team Concert should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding controls to prevent malicious script injection. The recommended approach involves applying proper HTML escaping and sanitization techniques to all user-supplied data before rendering it in the web interface. IBM released patches and updates to address this vulnerability, which should be applied immediately to prevent exploitation. Security measures should also include implementing content security policies to restrict script execution and monitoring for suspicious user activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider network-level protections such as web application firewalls and regular security assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities in their development environments. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining secure coding practices and regular vulnerability assessments in collaborative development platforms where multiple users interact with shared resources and sensitive data.