CVE-2021-20361 in Cloud Pak for Applications
Summary
by MITRE • 07/13/2021
IBM Cloud Pak for Applications 4.3 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: 195032.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2021
IBM Cloud Pak for Applications version 4.3 contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical security risk for organizations relying on this platform. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a common weakness in web application security. The flaw exists within the web user interface where user input is not properly sanitized or validated before being rendered back to other users. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious JavaScript code through input fields or parameters that are then executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability specifically allows for credential disclosure within trusted sessions, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass traditional security measures that rely on user trust and session validation. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious payloads that exploit the lack of input validation in the application's web interface components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can lead to complete session hijacking and unauthorized access to sensitive data. When a victim user interacts with a maliciously crafted page or element, the injected JavaScript code executes in their browser context, potentially stealing session cookies, authentication tokens, or other sensitive information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within a trusted session environment, meaning that the malicious code can access data and perform actions that the user is authorized to perform. This creates a scenario where an attacker can impersonate legitimate users and gain access to restricted resources, potentially compromising entire application environments. The IBM X-Force ID 195032 further emphasizes the severity and specific nature of this vulnerability within the broader threat landscape.
Organizations utilizing IBM Cloud Pak for Applications 4.3 must implement immediate mitigations to protect their environments from exploitation. The primary defense mechanism involves implementing proper input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied data within the web interface. This approach aligns with the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, which addresses the execution of malicious code through web interfaces. Organizations should also deploy web application firewalls and implement content security policies to prevent unauthorized script execution. Additionally, regular security updates and patches from IBM should be applied immediately upon availability to address the root cause of the vulnerability. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive user input sanitization, proper encoding of output data, and regular security testing of the web application interface to identify potential injection points that could be exploited by attackers.