CVE-2023-50303 in InfoSphere Information Server
Summary
by MITRE • 02/28/2024
IBM InfoSphere Information Server 11.7 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: 273333.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2026
IBM InfoSphere Information Server version 11.7 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 components, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious JavaScript code through user-controllable input fields. The flaw exists in the application's handling of user-supplied data that is subsequently rendered in web pages without proper sanitization, creating an environment where attacker-controlled content can be executed in the context of authenticated user sessions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses the failure to properly encode or escape user input before including it in web page output. This weakness enables attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by injecting client-side scripts that can execute in the victim's browser. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user inputs are processed and displayed without adequate security controls to prevent script injection attacks. The attack vector involves sending malicious payloads through web forms, URL parameters, or other input points that are not properly validated or sanitized.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to exploit authenticated sessions and potentially access sensitive information. When a user interacts with the vulnerable application, the injected JavaScript code can execute in the browser context of the authenticated user, allowing for session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. The vulnerability particularly threatens the confidentiality and integrity of information systems as it can be leveraged to steal session cookies, capture user credentials, or redirect users to malicious sites. Attackers can craft payloads that appear legitimate to the application, making detection more difficult and increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1566 - Phishing and T1071.1 - Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, as it enables attackers to establish malicious web interactions that can compromise user sessions. The vulnerability also relates to T1531 - Account Access Removal and T1003.001 - OS Credential Dumping when exploited to gain unauthorized access to system resources. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation controls, employ proper output encoding mechanisms, and maintain up-to-date security patches to address this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation includes applying the vendor-provided security updates, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in the application's codebase. Additionally, security awareness training for administrators and developers can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in future application development cycles.