CVE-2021-20366 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: 195037.
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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 weakness in the web user interface component. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the application's web framework, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious javascript code through user-controllable input fields or parameters. The flaw exists at the application layer where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to the browser, creating an environment where attacker-controlled content can execute within the context of authenticated sessions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the classic XSS attack pattern where malicious javascript payloads can be embedded into web pages through various vectors including form inputs, url parameters, or even server responses that contain user-generated content. When a victim visits a maliciously crafted page or interacts with compromised application functionality, the injected javascript executes in the victim's browser within the trusted session context, potentially enabling attackers to steal session cookies, capture keystrokes, or manipulate application behavior. This specific vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as "Cross-site Scripting" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" within the execution phase of the attack lifecycle.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to hijack user sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the application environment. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform session hijacking attacks, where stolen session tokens allow unauthorized access to user accounts with the same privileges as legitimate users. The vulnerability particularly affects the trusted session context, meaning that any credentials or sensitive information processed within the compromised session could be exposed to unauthorized parties. Additionally, the attack surface includes potential for data exfiltration, modification of application data, and privilege escalation if the vulnerable application components handle administrative functions.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent javascript injection, regular security scanning of application components, and comprehensive user input sanitization across all web interfaces. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against script execution, while regular security updates and patches should be applied to address known vulnerabilities. Security teams must also conduct thorough code reviews focusing on user input handling, implement proper web application firewalls, and establish monitoring for suspicious user behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining secure coding practices and continuous security assessment of application components to prevent unauthorized access and data compromise within enterprise environments.