CVE-2020-4792 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE • 04/05/2021
IBM Edge 4.2 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: 189441.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2021
IBM Edge 4.2 contains 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, which is a common weakness in web applications where malicious scripts can be injected into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability specifically affects the web UI component of IBM Edge 4.2, creating an attack vector that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the application's interface. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the intended functionality of the system by executing malicious scripts within the context of a trusted session, which can lead to unauthorized access and data compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to steal session credentials and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. When users interact with the compromised web interface, the malicious JavaScript code executes in their browser, potentially capturing login credentials, session tokens, or other sensitive information. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments and T1531 for account access through credential dumping. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within a trusted session context, meaning that attackers can exploit it without requiring additional authentication or privilege escalation mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires attackers to find a way to inject malicious JavaScript code into the web application's input fields or parameters that are then reflected back to users without proper sanitization or encoding. IBM Edge 4.2's web UI appears to lack adequate input validation and output encoding controls, allowing attacker-supplied scripts to be executed in the browser context of legitimate users. This represents a failure in the application's security controls and demonstrates the importance of implementing proper security measures such as input sanitization, output encoding, and Content Security Policy (CSP) headers. The vulnerability is categorized as a persistent XSS flaw that can be leveraged for session hijacking and credential theft, making it a significant threat to system integrity and user security.
Organizations using IBM Edge 4.2 should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest security patches from IBM, implementing web application firewalls, and deploying proper input validation controls. The system should also be configured with strict Content Security Policies to prevent unauthorized script execution and implement proper output encoding for all user-supplied data. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in the application's web interface. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should be implemented to help users recognize potential phishing attempts that could leverage this vulnerability. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper security controls in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive user data and authentication mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures to address potential credential compromise.