CVE-2022-30610 in Spectrum Copy Data Management
Summary
by MITRE • 06/10/2022
IBM Spectrum Copy Data Management 2.2.0.0 through 2.2.15.0 is vulnerable to reverse tabnabbing where it could allow a page linked to from within IBM Spectrum Copy Data Management to rewrite it. An administrator could enter a link to a malicious URL that another administrator could then click. Once clicked, that malicious URL could then rewrite the original page with a phishing page. IBM X-Force ID: 227363.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-30610 affects IBM Spectrum Copy Data Management versions 2.2.0.0 through 2.2.15.0, representing a critical security flaw that enables reverse tabnabbing attacks. This type of vulnerability occurs when a web application fails to properly validate and sanitize external links, creating an avenue for malicious actors to exploit user trust and manipulate browser behavior. The flaw specifically manifests when administrators can embed hyperlinks within the application interface that, when clicked by other administrators, allow the malicious page to rewrite the original application page content. This attack vector leverages the inherent trust users place in application interfaces while simultaneously exploiting the browser's handling of target attributes in hyperlinks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper handling of external URL references within the IBM Spectrum Copy Data Management application. When administrators create links to external resources, the application does not sufficiently sanitize or validate these URLs, allowing attackers to craft malicious links that exploit the window.opener API. This API enables a newly opened tab or window to access and modify the properties of the originating window, including its document content. The vulnerability specifically relates to CWE-601 which classifies URL redirections that can cause a web application to redirect users to malicious sites, and more specifically CWE-937 which addresses the weakness in which web applications fail to properly handle external URLs in a secure manner. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond clicking a seemingly legitimate link, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where administrators frequently navigate between different systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple phishing attacks, as it can enable sophisticated social engineering campaigns targeting privileged users within enterprise environments. An attacker could craft malicious URLs that, when clicked by an administrator, replace the legitimate application interface with a convincing phishing page designed to capture credentials or other sensitive information. The risk is amplified because the vulnerability targets administrators who typically possess elevated privileges and access to critical system resources. This creates a potential attack chain where initial access through a simple click could lead to full system compromise, especially when combined with other vulnerabilities or when the phishing page is designed to harvest session tokens or other authentication credentials. The attack's effectiveness is further enhanced by the fact that it operates within the trusted application context, making it difficult for traditional security controls to detect the malicious activity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-30610 should focus on implementing proper URL validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patches or updates that address this specific vulnerability, as IBM has released remediation measures to prevent external links from manipulating the parent window's content. Network administrators should implement strict content filtering policies and web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious URL patterns. The implementation of proper security headers, particularly the rel="noopener" and rel="noreferrer" attributes on external links, can prevent the exploitation of the window.opener API. Additionally, security awareness training for administrators should emphasize the risks of clicking unknown links, even when they appear to originate from trusted applications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices that align with the ATT&CK framework's mitigation strategies for web application vulnerabilities, specifically targeting techniques related to malicious content delivery and credential theft through web-based attacks. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify any other applications within their environment that may be susceptible to similar reverse tabnabbing vulnerabilities.