CVE-2024-28795 in InfoSphere Information Server
Summary
by MITRE • 06/30/2024
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: 286832.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2025
IBM InfoSphere Information Server version 11.7 contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical security flaw 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 or parameters. The flaw exists in the web UI layer where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to the browser, creating an opening for attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of a victim's session.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input that gets processed and displayed within the web interface without proper sanitization. When a legitimate user accesses the vulnerable page, the embedded JavaScript code executes in their browser, potentially capturing session cookies, credentials, or other sensitive information. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security. The attack vector is typically initiated through web-based user interactions where the application fails to properly encode or escape user-controllable data before rendering it in the HTML output.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to complete session hijacking and unauthorized access to sensitive enterprise data. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can steal authentication tokens, access confidential information, modify data, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The threat is particularly severe in enterprise environments where InfoSphere Information Server handles critical business data and processes. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1539 - Steal or Forge Authentication Tokens, as it enables credential theft through session manipulation. The risk is amplified when considering that the application likely operates within a trusted network environment where users have elevated privileges.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding controls to prevent malicious scripts from being executed in the web interface. The recommended approach involves implementing comprehensive sanitization of all user-controllable inputs and ensuring proper HTML encoding of dynamic content before rendering. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against script injection attacks. IBM has released patches and updates for this vulnerability that should be applied immediately, following the vendor's security advisory. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious user behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other enterprise applications and ensure comprehensive protection against persistent threats.