CVE-2020-4820 in Cloud Pak for Security
Summary
by MITRE • 01/28/2021
IBM Cloud Pak for Security (CP4S) 1.4.0.0 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2021
IBM Cloud Pak for Security version 1.4.0.0 contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical security flaw in the web-based user interface. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting attacks where untrusted data is improperly integrated into web pages without proper validation or sanitization. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code through the web interface, potentially compromising the security posture of the entire system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input is directly rendered in the web UI without adequate sanitization mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that, when executed, can manipulate the web application's behavior. The injected JavaScript code can leverage the existing trusted session context to access sensitive information, potentially leading to credential disclosure and unauthorized access to the security platform. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically JavaScript, and T1531 for credential access through session hijacking.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to perform actions within the application as if they were authenticated users. This includes accessing sensitive security data, modifying configurations, or potentially escalating privileges within the CP4S environment. The vulnerability particularly affects the web-based management interface, making it accessible to any user who can interact with the console, potentially including unauthorized individuals who gain access through other means. Organizations using this version of IBM Cloud Pak for Security face significant risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to their security infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent JavaScript injection. IBM has released patches and updates to address this vulnerability, which organizations should deploy immediately. Additional protective measures include implementing content security policies, regular security scanning of web applications, and ensuring that all user inputs are properly sanitized before being processed or displayed. Network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious JavaScript activity can also provide additional layers of defense. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments, particularly for security tools that handle sensitive data and privileged operations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security training for administrators to recognize and respond to potential exploitation attempts.