CVE-2021-29818 in Jazz for Service Management
Summary
by MITRE • 09/20/2021
IBM Jazz for Service Management and IBM Tivoli Netcool/OMNIbus_GUI 8.1.0 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: 204345.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2021
This vulnerability exists within IBM Jazz for Service Management and IBM Tivoli Netcool/OMNIbus_GUI version 8.1.0, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that fundamentally compromises web application security. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web user interface components, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious JavaScript code through crafted user inputs. The flaw specifically affects the graphical user interface elements where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to the browser, creating an exploitable vector for attackers to manipulate the application's intended behavior.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of a victim's browser session, leveraging the trust relationship between the user and the application. When legitimate users interact with the vulnerable application, their browsers execute the injected malicious code, which can capture session cookies, credentials, or other sensitive information transmitted during the user's interaction with the application. This creates a persistent threat where attackers can maintain access to user sessions and potentially escalate privileges or access additional system resources. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through various attack vectors including direct input manipulation, malicious links, or social engineering techniques that prompt users to interact with compromised interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's security posture and can enable more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform session hijacking, steal authentication tokens, or redirect users to malicious sites while maintaining the appearance of legitimate application behavior. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of data processed through the application, potentially leading to unauthorized access to service management functionalities, disruption of operations, and compromise of sensitive operational data. This flaw particularly impacts organizations relying on these IBM products for critical infrastructure monitoring and service management, as it undermines the trust model that these applications are designed to maintain.
Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies that include immediate deployment of vendor-provided security patches and updates to address the cross-site scripting vulnerability. Input validation mechanisms should be strengthened to ensure all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before processing, with particular attention to web interface components that handle dynamic content rendering. Output encoding should be implemented consistently throughout the application to prevent malicious code execution even if input validation is bypassed. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while security awareness training should be conducted to help users recognize potential social engineering attempts that may leverage this vulnerability. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting and relates to ATT&CK technique T1531 Credential Access, emphasizing the need for layered defensive measures that address both the immediate technical flaw and broader security posture improvements.