CVE-2020-4546 in Jazz Team Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Jazz Team Server based Applications are 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: 183314.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-4546 affects IBM Jazz Team Server based applications, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that compromises web application security. This vulnerability resides within the web user interface components of IBM's collaborative development platform, which is widely utilized for software development lifecycle management and team collaboration. The affected systems typically serve as central hubs for project management, version control, and team coordination within enterprise environments, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to exploit web application weaknesses.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the web application's user interface rendering mechanisms. Attackers can inject malicious JavaScript code through various input fields or parameters that are not properly sanitized before being rendered in the web interface. This flaw specifically manifests when user-supplied data is directly incorporated into dynamic web content without appropriate security measures to prevent script execution. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which classifies cross-site scripting as a weakness where applications fail to properly validate or encode user-controllable data before incorporating it into dynamically generated web pages.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it creates potential pathways for more severe security breaches within trusted session environments. When successful, the malicious JavaScript code can execute within the context of authenticated user sessions, potentially enabling attackers to access session cookies, credentials, or other sensitive information that would otherwise remain protected. This risk is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where the Jazz Team Server typically handles confidential development data, source code repositories, and privileged access controls. The vulnerability essentially undermines the trust model of the web application by allowing attackers to hijack legitimate user sessions and perform unauthorized actions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass multiple defensive layers including input validation, output encoding, and security headers implementation. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches and updates to address the root cause of the XSS vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies can significantly reduce the impact of successful XSS attacks by restricting script execution within the application environment. Security measures should also include regular input sanitization routines, parameterized queries, and comprehensive web application firewall rules. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for Scripting, specifically targeting web-based command execution through client-side scripting vulnerabilities that allow attackers to establish persistent access to authenticated user sessions. Organizations should also consider implementing security awareness training for developers to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom application development and establish robust code review processes to identify and remediate XSS weaknesses before deployment.