CVE-2018-1951 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

IBM Publishing Engine versions 2.1.2, 6.0.5, and 6.0.6 are vulnerable to cross-site scripting, potentially leading to credential disclosure.

Understanding CVE-2018-1951

This CVE involves a vulnerability in IBM Publishing Engine versions 2.1.2, 6.0.5, and 6.0.6 that exposes them to cross-site scripting, allowing the insertion of JavaScript code into the Web UI.

What is CVE-2018-1951?

The vulnerability in IBM Publishing Engine versions 2.1.2, 6.0.5, and 6.0.6 enables users to insert JavaScript code into the Web UI, potentially leading to credential disclosure during a trusted session.

The Impact of CVE-2018-1951

CVSS Base Score: 5.4 (Medium Severity)
Attack Vector: Network
Exploit Code Maturity: High
User Interaction: Required
Scope: Changed
Confidentiality Impact: Low
Integrity Impact: Low
Availability Impact: None

Technical Details of CVE-2018-1951

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows users to embed arbitrary JavaScript code in the Web UI, altering the intended functionality and potentially disclosing credentials during a trusted session.

Affected Systems and Versions

Rational Publishing Engine version 2.1.2
Rational Publishing Engine version 6.0.5
Rational Publishing Engine version 6.0.6

Exploitation Mechanism

The flaw enables the insertion of JavaScript code into the Web UI, modifying the intended functionality and potentially leading to credential disclosure.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply official fixes provided by IBM
Monitor for any unusual activities on the affected systems
Educate users about the risks of executing unknown scripts

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to the latest versions
Implement secure coding practices to prevent cross-site scripting vulnerabilities

Patching and Updates

IBM has released patches to address the vulnerability in affected versions of Rational Publishing Engine.