CVE-2021-29836 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 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: 204912.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-29836 affects IBM Sterling B2B Integrator Standard Edition versions 5.2.0.0 through 6.1.1.0, representing a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability that compromises the security of the web-based user interface. This flaw exists within the application's input validation mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code through web UI elements. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input data that is subsequently rendered in the web interface without proper encoding or escaping. When legitimate users interact with the affected application, the injected scripts execute within their browser context, potentially compromising the integrity of the application's intended functionality.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of web input fields, parameters, or other user-controllable elements within the Sterling B2B Integrator interface. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that, when processed by the application, are executed in the context of authenticated users' sessions. This cross-site scripting vulnerability specifically enables attackers to manipulate the web application's behavior and potentially access sensitive information within the trusted session context. The flaw creates a pathway for credential theft, session hijacking, and unauthorized access to business-to-business integration processes that the application manages.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to complete session compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive business data. When attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability, they can steal session cookies, credentials, and other sensitive information that would otherwise remain protected within the trusted application environment. The affected versions of IBM Sterling B2B Integrator handle critical business processes including document exchange, data transformation, and integration between trading partners, making the potential impact substantial. The vulnerability particularly threatens organizations relying on the application for secure B2B communications, as attackers could intercept and manipulate transaction data, potentially leading to financial fraud or data breaches.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates to address the cross-site scripting vulnerability in IBM Sterling B2B Integrator. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring and filtering malicious traffic before it reaches the vulnerable application. Input validation controls should be strengthened to ensure all user-supplied data is properly sanitized and encoded before processing. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of the affected systems and monitor for any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and represents a significant concern within the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for script injection, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures to protect business-critical integration platforms.