CVE-2018-1794 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 are vulnerable to a cross-site scripting (XSS) flaw when using OAuth ear, allowing attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code into the Web UI.

Understanding CVE-2018-1794

This CVE identifies a security vulnerability in IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 that can be exploited for cross-site scripting.

What is CVE-2018-1794?

The vulnerability in OAuth ear implementation in the affected versions of IBM WebSphere Application Server allows malicious users to insert their JavaScript code into the Web UI, potentially leading to unauthorized operations and exposure of sensitive information during trusted sessions.

The Impact of CVE-2018-1794

The vulnerability can result in unauthorized modification of intended operations and potential exposure of credentials during trusted sessions, posing a risk to the confidentiality and integrity of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-1794

This section provides technical details of the CVE-2018-1794 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in IBM WebSphere Application Server versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 allows for cross-site scripting attacks through the use of OAuth ear, enabling attackers to manipulate the Web UI with malicious JavaScript code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: WebSphere Application Server
Vendor: IBM
Affected Versions: 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: Required
Exploit Code Maturity: High
Scope: Changed
CVSS Base Score: 6.1 (Medium)
CVSS Temporal Score: 5.8 (Medium)

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2018-1794 with the following mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply official fixes provided by IBM to address the vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict user input to prevent injection of malicious scripts.
Educate users on safe browsing practices to minimize the risk of XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the WebSphere Application Server to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Implement security controls to validate and sanitize user inputs to prevent XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by IBM for WebSphere Application Server.