CVE-2021-39014 in Cloud Object System
Summary
by MITRE • 07/07/2023
IBM Cloud Object System 3.15.8.97 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: 213650.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-39014 affects IBM Cloud Object System version 3.15.8.97 and represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that compromises the security of the web-based user interface. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the system's web application framework, allowing malicious actors to inject persistent JavaScript code into the application's data storage. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the web interface in ways that can fundamentally alter the intended behavior of the system, creating a persistent threat that remains active until manually removed from the database.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the system's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before storing it within the database and subsequently rendering it in the web interface. When legitimate users interact with the compromised system, the malicious JavaScript code executes within their browser context, potentially capturing session cookies, credentials, or other sensitive information transmitted during trusted sessions. This stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious code persists across multiple user interactions and sessions, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect any user who accesses the compromised data. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a variant of the broader class of injection vulnerabilities that target web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it creates a persistent backdoor within the cloud storage environment that can be leveraged for advanced persistent threats. Attackers can use the stored XSS to perform session hijacking, steal authentication tokens, or redirect users to malicious sites that appear legitimate within the trusted environment. This capability undermines the fundamental security model of the system by enabling attackers to operate within the context of authenticated users, potentially gaining access to sensitive data stored within the cloud object system. The vulnerability also presents significant risk to the organization's overall security posture, as successful exploitation can lead to lateral movement within the network and compromise additional systems that rely on the cloud storage infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application stack. Organizations must ensure that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before storage and that appropriate content security policies are implemented to prevent script execution in the browser context. The recommended approach includes deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script payloads, implementing strict input validation routines that filter out potentially dangerous characters and patterns, and establishing regular security testing procedures to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms and session management controls to limit the damage that can occur if the vulnerability is successfully exploited. This remediation effort should align with industry best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, which emphasize the importance of secure coding practices and continuous security monitoring to prevent and detect such vulnerabilities in cloud-based systems.