CVE-2020-4268 in QRadar
Summary
by MITRE
IBM QRadar 7.3.0 to 7.3.3 Patch 2 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-ForceID: 175841.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2025
IBM QRadar versions 7.3.0 through 7.3.3 Patch 2 contain a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical security weakness in the web-based user interface. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The flaw allows authenticated users to inject malicious JavaScript code into the web interface, potentially compromising the integrity of the application and the data it handles. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web UI components, enabling attackers to manipulate the application behavior through crafted malicious payloads. The security implications are particularly severe because QRadar is a security information and event management system that handles sensitive security data and credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection as it creates a potential pathway for credential theft within trusted sessions. When users interact with the compromised web interface, the injected JavaScript code can execute in the context of their current session, potentially capturing authentication tokens, session cookies, or other sensitive information. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 which focuses on establishing persistence through the use of credentials and session management. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects a security monitoring platform, meaning that an attacker who successfully exploits this flaw could gain access to the very security data that QRadar is designed to protect. This creates a dangerous scenario where the security tool becomes a vector for compromising the security infrastructure it is meant to safeguard.
Organizations utilizing affected QRadar versions face significant risk of unauthorized access and data compromise. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that QRadar typically operates in environments with high-security requirements where credential exposure could lead to complete system compromise. IBM has addressed this vulnerability through patches and updates to the affected versions, making it critical for organizations to implement these security updates promptly. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the updated software to ensure that the XSS mitigation is effective and does not introduce regressions in functionality. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts that may have occurred prior to patching. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual JavaScript injection patterns or attempts to exploit this vulnerability in the web interface. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing proper input validation across all web applications, particularly those handling sensitive security data. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as content security policies and web application firewalls to provide defense-in-depth against similar vulnerabilities.