CVE-2020-4447 in FileNet Content Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM FileNet Content Manager 5.5.3 and 5.5.4 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: 181227.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2020
IBM FileNet Content Manager versions 5.5.3 and 5.5.4 contain a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical security flaw in the web-based user interface. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, where the application fails to properly sanitize user input before rendering it in web pages. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code through crafted input fields or parameters within the web interface, potentially compromising the integrity of the application's user experience and data protection mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the web application processes user-supplied data without adequate validation or encoding measures. Attackers can exploit this weakness by submitting malicious payloads through various input vectors including form fields, URL parameters, or API endpoints that interact with the Content Manager's web UI. When the application subsequently displays this unvalidated data to other users or within the same user's session, the embedded JavaScript code executes in their browser context, creating a persistent cross-site scripting attack vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to serious security consequences including session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized access to sensitive content management systems. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially steal session cookies, access user accounts, modify content, or escalate privileges within the FileNet environment. The vulnerability particularly threatens organizations relying on FileNet for document management and workflow automation, where unauthorized access could result in data breaches, compliance violations, and business disruption. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability affects the web UI components that are frequently accessed by multiple users within enterprise environments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent the execution of malicious scripts within the web application. The recommended approach involves implementing proper sanitization of all user inputs and ensuring that any data rendered in web pages is properly encoded to prevent script execution. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing content security policies, restricting user privileges, and monitoring for suspicious activities within the Content Manager environment. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, and represents a significant risk to enterprise information security frameworks that rely on proper input validation and output encoding practices. The IBM X-Force ID 181227 indicates this vulnerability was recognized and tracked by IBM's security team, emphasizing the need for prompt patching and security updates to maintain the integrity of enterprise content management systems.