CVE-2020-4987 in FlashSystem 900
Summary
by MITRE • 05/04/2021
IBM FlashSystem 900 1.5.2.9 and 1.6.1.3 user management GUI is vulnerable to stored 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: 192702.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-4987 affects IBM FlashSystem 900 versions 1.5.2.9 and 1.6.1.3, specifically targeting the user management graphical user interface component. This issue represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of the system's web-based administrative interface, potentially allowing attackers to execute malicious code within the context of authenticated user sessions.
This stored cross-site scripting vulnerability resides in the web user interface of the IBM FlashSystem 900 storage platform, where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to users. The flaw allows an attacker to inject malicious JavaScript code into the system through the user management functionality, which then gets stored and executed whenever other users view the affected interface elements. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input, specifically in the context of web-based applications where user data is processed and displayed without adequate security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it creates a potential pathway for credential theft and session hijacking within trusted network environments. When authenticated users interact with the compromised interface, their browser sessions become vulnerable to manipulation, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive information including login credentials, session tokens, and other privileged data. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of a trusted session, meaning that successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated privileges and access to the storage system's administrative functions.
The security implications of CVE-2020-4987 align with ATT&CK technique T1531, which covers "Modify System Image", and T1078, which covers "Valid Accounts", as the vulnerability enables attackers to leverage legitimate user sessions to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The stored nature of the XSS flaw means that the malicious code persists within the system's interface, potentially affecting multiple users over extended periods without requiring repeated exploitation attempts. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where the storage system serves as a critical infrastructure component.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including comprehensive input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied data within the web interface, regular security updates and patches from IBM, and network segmentation to limit access to the affected system. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious user interface modifications and implementing web application firewalls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of securing administrative interfaces and the potential consequences when user input validation is insufficient, particularly in storage systems where unauthorized access could result in significant data compromise and operational disruption.