CVE-2020-4297 in DOORS Next Generation
Summary
by MITRE
IBM DOORS Next Generation (DNG/RRC) 6.0.2, 6.0.6, 6.0.6.1, and 7.0 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: 176474.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-4297 affects IBM DOORS Next Generation (DNG/RRC) versions 6.0.2, 6.0.6, 6.0.6.1, and 7.0, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that undermines the security posture of this requirements management platform. This vulnerability resides within the web user interface of the application, creating an attack vector that enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the system's web pages. The flaw specifically impacts the authentication and session management mechanisms, potentially allowing attackers to execute code within the context of a trusted user session, thereby compromising the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without proper validation or sanitization. In the context of DNG/RRC, the vulnerability manifests when user-supplied input is not adequately filtered before being rendered in the web interface, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious scripts that can execute in the victim's browser. This particular implementation flaw affects the application's ability to properly sanitize user inputs, particularly in areas where users can create or modify content that gets displayed to other users. The attack surface is expanded through the web-based interface, where the vulnerability can be exploited via crafted input fields, comments, or other user-generated content areas.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it creates conditions for credential theft and session hijacking within trusted environments. When an authenticated user interacts with a maliciously crafted page or content, the injected JavaScript can access the user's session cookies, potentially allowing attackers to impersonate legitimate users and gain unauthorized access to sensitive requirements data, configuration settings, and other privileged information. The vulnerability particularly threatens organizations that rely on DNG/RRC for managing critical requirements and system specifications, as successful exploitation could lead to comprehensive data breaches and unauthorized system access. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed through standard web browser interactions, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where the application serves as a central repository for sensitive project information.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding controls to prevent malicious script injection, along with regular security updates and patches provided by IBM. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in web applications, particularly regarding proper sanitization of user inputs and the implementation of Content Security Policies to limit script execution. Security teams should also consider network-based protections such as web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious user activity patterns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for 'Scripting' and T1531 for 'Account Access Removal', highlighting the potential for credential compromise and unauthorized access. Organizations using DNG/RRC should prioritize patch management and security hardening procedures, as this vulnerability represents a significant risk to the confidentiality and integrity of requirements management data within trusted network environments.