CVE-2021-20364 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: 195035.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
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 weakness in the web-based user interface. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the web interface, effectively compromising the application's integrity and user trust mechanisms. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and output encoding within the application's web components, allowing attackers to manipulate the user interface through crafted malicious inputs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it creates a potential pathway for credential theft and session hijacking within trusted user sessions. When authenticated users interact with the compromised interface, their sessions become vulnerable to manipulation by attackers who can execute malicious scripts in the context of the user's browser. This creates a significant risk for organizations using IBM Cloud Pak for Applications, as the attack surface includes all authenticated users who may inadvertently trigger the malicious script execution. The vulnerability particularly affects the application's web UI components where user inputs are not properly sanitized before being rendered back to the browser.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique T1059.007 for command and control using scripting languages, and T1531 for account access removal through session hijacking. The attack chain typically begins with an attacker identifying a vulnerable input field or parameter within the web interface, followed by the injection of malicious JavaScript payloads designed to capture session cookies or redirect users to phishing sites. The IBM X-Force ID 195035 assigned to this vulnerability indicates its recognition within the security community as a significant threat requiring immediate attention.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of mitigation to address this vulnerability effectively. The primary defense involves implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's web interface components. This includes sanitizing all user inputs and properly encoding data before rendering it in the browser context. Additionally, implementing content security policies can help prevent unauthorized script execution by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in related components. The recommended remediation approach includes applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates as soon as they become available, while also implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.