CVE-2020-4380 in Workload Scheduler
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Workload Scheduler 9.3.0.4 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: 179160.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2020
IBM Workload Scheduler version 9.3.0.4 contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical security weakness in the web-based user interface. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the application's web components. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject malicious javascript code through user input fields or parameters that are not properly sanitized before being rendered in the web interface. The vulnerability specifically affects the web UI components where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into dynamic web content without adequate security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary javascript code within the context of a victim's browser session. When a user interacts with the vulnerable web interface, the malicious script can be executed in the browser, potentially accessing session cookies, authentication tokens, or other sensitive information stored in the browser's memory. This cross-site scripting weakness operates under CWE-79 which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation as a fundamental flaw in web application security. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs within a workload scheduling system that likely handles sensitive enterprise data and authentication credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can lead to complete session hijacking and credential theft within trusted browser sessions. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially impersonate legitimate users, gain unauthorized access to scheduled jobs, modify workload configurations, or extract sensitive information from the scheduler's database. The IBM X-Force ID 179160 confirms the severity and provides additional context about exploitation techniques. This vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1531 for 'Modify System Image' and T1566 for 'Phishing', as it enables attackers to establish persistent access through credential compromise and session manipulation.
Organizations using IBM Workload Scheduler 9.3.0.4 should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. The primary mitigation involves applying the official IBM security patches released for this specific version. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web application can prevent malicious code injection. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be deployed to detect and block suspicious javascript payloads. Browser security controls including content security policy headers and secure cookie attributes should be enforced. Regular security assessments and penetration testing of the web interface should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include user education about recognizing phishing attempts that may leverage this vulnerability and monitoring for unusual activities in workload scheduling systems that could indicate exploitation attempts.