CVE-2021-20357 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting IBM Jazz Foundation products, particularly in the collaborative lifecycle management and engineering product lines. This vulnerability allows users to embed arbitrary JavaScript code into the Web UI, which can alter intended functionalities and potentially lead to credential disclosure within a trusted session. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.4, indicating a moderate risk that organizations must consider in their security assessments.
With the increasing reliance on web applications, vulnerabilities such as CVE-2021-20357 pose significant risks, as they can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The urgency for organizations to patch this vulnerability cannot be overstated, especially given the potential impact on user credentials and overall system integrity. Organizations must prioritize this within their security remediation strategies.
Currently, there is no known public exploit for this vulnerability, and it has not been included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, the potential for exploitation remains, making it imperative for organizations to remain vigilant and proactive in their security measures.
Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycles to safeguard against possible exploitation and protect their sensitive data from unauthorized access.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2021-20357 states that IBM Jazz Foundation products are vulnerable to cross-site scripting (XSS). This vulnerability enables the embedding of arbitrary JavaScript code in the web interface, leading to possible credential disclosure during trusted sessions. The vulnerability has been classified under CWE-79, which pertains to improper neutralization of input during web page generation.
The CVSS version 3.1 score for this vulnerability is 5.4, indicating a medium severity level. The factors contributing to this score include an attack vector of NETWORK, low attack complexity, low privileges required, and the necessity for user interaction. The confidentiality and integrity impacts are rated as low, while the availability impact is assessed as none.
This vulnerability was published on January 27, 2021, and has since been modified in the IBM security advisories. Organizations using affected IBM Jazz Foundation products should review their configurations and security practices to mitigate risks.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the inadequate handling of user inputs within the web interface of IBM Jazz Foundation products. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code, which can be executed in the context of a user’s session. The attack vector is network-based, indicating that an attacker can exploit the vulnerability remotely, provided the user is interacting with the affected web application.
The attack complexity is rated as low, meaning that an attacker does not require specialized skills to exploit this vulnerability. The privileges required to carry out the attack are also low, as it can be executed by any user who has access to the web interface. User interaction is necessary, as the victim must visit the maliciously crafted web page.
The impact of this vulnerability includes potential confidentiality breaches, as it can lead to unauthorized access to user credentials. The integrity of the application can also be compromised, as the injected script can alter the behavior of the application in unintended ways. However, the availability of the system remains unaffected.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes potential credential disclosure, which can facilitate unauthorized access to sensitive information and systems. Given the reliance on web applications in contemporary business operations, the exposure to cross-site scripting vulnerabilities poses a significant threat. The blast radius for this vulnerability can be extensive, affecting multiple users and potentially leading to widespread data breaches.
Organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability, particularly those that utilize IBM Jazz Foundation products. The urgency to address this vulnerability is highlighted by its CVSS score of 5.4, placing it in the medium severity category. Organizations should prioritize remediation actions based on their specific risk profiles and operational contexts.
With an EPS score of 0.00158, this vulnerability is positioned within the lower percentiles of risk, but the potential for exploitation still mandates attention. Security teams should integrate this vulnerability into their existing risk management frameworks to ensure comprehensive protection.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability impacts multiple versions of IBM Jazz Foundation products, including versions 6.0.2, 6.0.6, 6.0.6.1 of the collaborative lifecycle management, engineering insights, engineering lifecycle management, and other associated products. Organizations should verify their versions against the following CPEs to determine if they are affected:
- cpe:2.3:a:ibm:collaborative_lifecycle_management:6.0.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*- cpe:2.3:a:ibm:collaborative_lifecycle_management:6.0.6:*:*:*:*:*:*:*- cpe:2.3:a:ibm:engineering_insights:7.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Mitigation & Remediation
IBM has released patches to address this vulnerability, and organizations should ensure that they apply these updates as soon as possible. The recommended steps for remediation include:
1. Check for the latest version of IBM Jazz Foundation products and apply updates.2. Implement web application firewalls (WAFs) to filter out potentially malicious requests.3. Regularly audit and review user inputs and outputs to ensure no XSS vulnerabilities exist.4. Conduct regular security assessments, including penetration testing, to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.
For further guidance on security testing, organizations can refer to resources on penetration testing and vulnerability management best practices.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor for the following:
1. Unusual user behavior or session anomalies that could indicate XSS attacks.2. Log entries that show unauthorized access attempts or script injections.3. Alerts from web application firewalls regarding attempted XSS attacks.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-20357 highlights the persistent risk posed by cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in web applications. As organizations continue to adopt web-based solutions, the significance of securing these applications against XSS attacks becomes increasingly critical.
The trend of rising exploitation of web application vulnerabilities necessitates a proactive approach to security. Security teams should integrate regular training on secure coding practices and conduct frequent security assessments to stay ahead of potential threats.
For organizations seeking to improve their security posture, engaging in comprehensive application security assessments is crucial. Additionally, implementing a robust continuous penetration testing program can help identify and mitigate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Organizations need to remain vigilant and responsive to the evolving threat landscape, ensuring that they are not only addressing existing vulnerabilities but also anticipating future risks.
For further insights on emerging threats and best practices in security, organizations can engage with resources available at AppSecure, including articles on vulnerability management programs and strategies for effective security testing.
Known Exploitation Timeline
Currently, there are no records of known exploitation for CVE-2021-20357. Organizations should maintain awareness and monitor security advisories for any updates related to this vulnerability.
EPSS Risk Context
With an EPSS score of 0.00158, CVE-2021-20357 is positioned in the lower risk percentiles. However, organizations should not underestimate the potential impact of this vulnerability, as the actual exploitation risk can vary significantly based on the specific context of their web applications.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)