CVE-2020-4748 in Spectrum Scale
Summary
by MITRE • 10/20/2020
IBM Spectrum Scale 5.0.0 through 5.0.5.2 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-Force ID: 188517.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2020
IBM Spectrum Scale represents a distributed storage system that provides enterprise-level file and object storage capabilities across heterogeneous computing environments. The vulnerability in question affects versions 5.0.0 through 5.0.5.2 of this storage platform, specifically targeting the web-based user interface component. This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and output encoding within the web application's handling of user-supplied data. The flaw manifests when the system fails to properly sanitize user inputs before rendering them in the web interface, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject malicious javascript code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the web user interface where attackers can craft malicious payloads that get executed in the context of authenticated users' browsers. When a victim user accesses a page containing the malicious script, the code executes within their browser session, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, credentials, or perform actions on behalf of the authenticated user. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The attack vector leverages the trust relationship between the user and the web application, making it particularly dangerous as victims are often unaware they are executing malicious code within their own browser sessions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can lead to complete compromise of the storage environment. An attacker with access to a user's session could potentially manipulate storage configurations, access sensitive data, or even escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely heavily on the web UI for day-to-day operations, as it undermines the security of all authenticated sessions. From an att&ck framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique t1531 which involves the use of credentials from password managers or web browsers, and potentially t1071.004 which covers application layer protocol: web protocols. The attack chain typically begins with a user visiting a malicious page or clicking on a crafted link that triggers the script execution, followed by credential theft or privilege escalation.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates for IBM Spectrum Scale versions 5.0.0 through 5.0.5.2. Network segmentation and monitoring of web traffic can help detect potential exploitation attempts, while implementing content security policies can provide additional protection against script injection attacks. Regular security assessments of web applications should include thorough input validation testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper output encoding in web applications, particularly when handling user-supplied data in web interfaces. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and additional monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.