CVE-2021-29764 in Sterling B2B Integrator Standard Edition
Summary
by MITRE • 10/06/2021
IBM Sterling B2B Integrator Standard Edition 5.2.0.0 through 6.1.1.0 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: 202268.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-29764 affects IBM Sterling B2B Integrator Standard Edition versions 5.2.0.0 through 6.1.1.0, representing a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that compromises the web-based user interface of this enterprise integration platform. This vulnerability resides within the application's input validation mechanisms, where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to users in the web interface. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code into the application's persistent storage, which then executes whenever other users access the affected web pages, creating a persistent threat that can affect multiple users over time.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user inputs within the web application's data handling processes, specifically in areas where configuration parameters or user-generated content are stored and subsequently displayed without proper encoding or validation. This weakness allows an attacker to craft malicious payloads that, when submitted through the web interface, get stored in the application's database or configuration files. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious code persists even after the initial injection, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect any user who views the compromised content. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding, and represents a significant deviation from secure coding practices that should enforce strict input validation and output sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it creates potential pathways for credential theft and session hijacking within trusted network environments. When authenticated users interact with the compromised web interface, their browser sessions become vulnerable to manipulation by the injected JavaScript code, which can capture session tokens, cookies, or other sensitive authentication data. This threat is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where the IBM Sterling B2B Integrator handles critical business-to-business transactions and may contain sensitive operational data. The vulnerability enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges, access restricted functionality, or establish persistent access points within the organization's integration infrastructure, representing a significant risk to data integrity and confidentiality. The attack vector leverages the trusted relationship between users and the application, making detection more challenging as malicious activity appears to originate from legitimate application components.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates released for this vulnerability, while also considering network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious script injection attempts. The remediation strategy should encompass comprehensive input validation mechanisms, output encoding of all user-supplied data, and regular security assessments of the web application's input handling processes. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and monitoring user activities within the application can help detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. From an att&ck framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving code injection and credential access, specifically targeting the web application layer and potentially enabling lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, as outlined in industry standards such as the owasp top ten and iso 27001 security controls, which emphasize the need for robust application security measures to prevent such persistent threats in enterprise integration platforms.