CVE-2021-38982 in Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager 3.0, 3.0.1, 4.0, and 4.1 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: 212791.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2021
IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager versions 3.0, 3.0.1, 4.0, and 4.1 contain a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical security weakness in the web-based user interface. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws where web applications fail to properly validate or escape user-supplied input before rendering it in web pages. The flaw exists in the application's handling of user input within the web UI components, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious JavaScript code through crafted input fields or parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it enables attackers to manipulate the intended functionality of the application. When a victim interacts with the vulnerable web interface, the injected JavaScript code executes within the victim's browser context, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, credentials, or other sensitive information. This particular vulnerability is especially dangerous because it operates within a trusted session environment, meaning that successful exploitation could lead to complete compromise of user authentication tokens and access to privileged resources. The attack vector leverages the application's trust relationship with users, making it particularly effective against authenticated users who maintain active sessions.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to the ATT&CK framework's technique T1566 which covers social engineering tactics including spearphishing with a link, and T1531 which addresses account access removal. The vulnerability's potential for credential disclosure aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which deals with valid accounts and T1562 which covers disabling security tools. Organizations using IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager should prioritize immediate remediation through official IBM security patches and updates. Additionally, network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional defensive layers to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output encoding practices in web applications, particularly in security-critical systems that manage cryptographic keys and authentication credentials.