CVE-2022-35714 in Maximo Asset Management
Summary
by MITRE • 08/26/2022
IBM Maximo Asset Management 7.6.1 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: 231116.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2022
IBM Maximo Asset Management version 7.6.1 contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical security weakness in the web-based user interface. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the application's web framework, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious JavaScript code through user-controllable input fields or parameters. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages, creating an environment where attacker-controlled scripts can execute within the context of a victim's browser session. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize input, which directly enables XSS attacks by permitting the execution of arbitrary script code in the user's browser.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can be exploited to hijack user sessions and potentially compromise sensitive authentication credentials. When a malicious user successfully injects JavaScript code, the script executes with the privileges of the authenticated user, enabling attackers to access session cookies, capture login credentials, or perform unauthorized actions within the Maximo application. This presents a significant risk to organizations relying on Maximo for asset management, as compromised sessions could lead to unauthorized access to critical business data, modification of asset records, or even complete system compromise. The vulnerability particularly affects the trusted session context, where the injected scripts can leverage existing authentication tokens to maintain persistent access to the system.
The attack vector for this vulnerability typically involves crafting malicious input that gets reflected back to the user in the web interface without proper sanitization. Attackers may exploit this through various means including crafted URLs, form submissions, or even through file uploads if the application permits such functionality. The IBM X-Force ID 231116 indicates that this vulnerability has been recognized and catalogued within the security community, highlighting its potential impact on enterprise asset management systems. Organizations using Maximo 7.6.1 should consider this vulnerability as part of the broader ATT&CK framework's initial access and credential access phases, where attackers can leverage XSS to establish persistent access and escalate privileges. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by the fact that Maximo is typically used in enterprise environments where users have elevated privileges and access to sensitive operational data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding controls within the application's web framework. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages, implementing strict content security policies to prevent script execution. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided security patches or hotfixes released for this specific vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should implement web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious script injection attempts, while also establishing regular security scanning procedures to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact if an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability. Regular security awareness training for administrators and developers can also help prevent configuration errors that might exacerbate the vulnerability's impact.