CVE-2017-1691 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

IBM Rational Quality Manager and IBM Rational Collaborative Lifecycle Management versions 5.0 through 5.0.2 and 6.0 through 6.0.5 are susceptible to cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities can allow malicious users to inject JavaScript code into the Web UI, potentially exposing sensitive user credentials within a trusted session.

Understanding CVE-2017-1691

Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities have been identified in IBM Rational Quality Manager and IBM Rational Collaborative Lifecycle Management versions 5.0 through 5.0.2 and 6.0 through 6.0.5.

What is CVE-2017-1691?

CVE-2017-1691 is a vulnerability that enables attackers to insert their own JavaScript code into the Web UI of affected IBM products, leading to potential manipulation of the application's behavior and exposure of user credentials.

The Impact of CVE-2017-1691

Malicious users can exploit XSS vulnerabilities to compromise the integrity of the affected systems.
Sensitive user credentials may be disclosed within a trusted session, posing a significant security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-1691

Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability details and affected systems.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows for the insertion of arbitrary JavaScript code into the Web UI, potentially altering the application's intended functionality and compromising user data.

Affected Systems and Versions

Products: Rational Quality Manager, Rational Collaborative Lifecycle Management
Vendor: IBM
Affected Versions: 5.0, 5.0.1, 5.0.2, 6.0, 6.0.1, 6.0.2, 6.0.3, 6.0.4, 6.0.5

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: Required
Exploit Code Maturity: Unproven
Scope: Changed
CVSS Base Score: 5.4 (Medium)
CVSS Temporal Score: 4.7 (Medium)

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to mitigate the CVE-2017-1691 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement security patches provided by IBM to address the XSS vulnerabilities.
Regularly monitor and audit the affected systems for any unauthorized activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security training for users to raise awareness about XSS attacks.
Employ web application firewalls to detect and prevent XSS attempts.

Patching and Updates

Apply official fixes and updates released by IBM to remediate the XSS vulnerabilities.