CVE-2023-52292 in Sterling File Gateway
Summary
by MITRE • 01/27/2025
IBM Sterling File Gateway 6.0.0.0 through 6.1.2.5 and 6.2.0.0 through 6.2.0.3 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2025
IBM Sterling File Gateway versions 6.0.0.0 through 6.1.2.5 and 6.2.0.0 through 6.2.0.3 contain a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a significant security risk to organizations relying on this file transfer solution. This vulnerability exists within the web user interface where user input is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to other users. The flaw allows an attacker to inject malicious JavaScript code into the application's interface, which then executes in the context of other users' browsers when they view the affected content. The vulnerability is classified as a stored XSS issue under CWE-79, which specifically addresses the improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a persistent threat that remains active until the malicious content is removed from the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to credential disclosure within trusted sessions, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments. When authenticated users interact with the affected interface elements, their browsers execute the injected JavaScript code, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, capture login credentials, or perform actions on behalf of legitimate users. This represents a serious compromise of the application's security model, as the vulnerability exploits the trust relationship between users and the application, enabling attackers to operate within the context of authenticated sessions without requiring additional authentication. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages the application's own trusted interface to deliver malicious payloads, making detection more challenging and increasing the potential for successful exploitation.
Organizations utilizing IBM Sterling File Gateway should immediately implement mitigations to address this vulnerability, including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates as soon as they become available. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional protective layers, though these measures are not substitutes for proper input validation and output encoding. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing proper content security policies and ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly validated and sanitized before being stored or rendered within the application interface. Security teams should also conduct thorough assessments of their existing monitoring and detection capabilities to identify any potential exploitation attempts that may have already occurred. This vulnerability aligns with several tactics in the attack framework including credential access through malicious code execution and privilege escalation via session hijacking, making it a critical concern for organizations following the MITRE ATT&CK framework's adversary behavior patterns.