CVE-2019-4653 : Security Advisory and Response

IBM Cognos Analytics versions 11.0 and 11.1 are affected by a cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows users to inject JavaScript code into the Web UI, potentially leading to credential disclosure. This CVE was published on May 28, 2021.

Understanding CVE-2019-4653

This CVE pertains to a security issue in IBM Cognos Analytics versions 11.0 and 11.1, enabling cross-site scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2019-4653?

Cross-site scripting vulnerability in IBM Cognos Analytics versions 11.0 and 11.1 allows malicious users to insert JavaScript code into the Web UI, potentially compromising system functionality and exposing credentials.

The Impact of CVE-2019-4653

The vulnerability poses a medium severity risk, with a CVSS base score of 5.4. If exploited, it could result in unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information during trusted sessions.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-4653

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in IBM Cognos Analytics versions 11.0 and 11.1 allows for the injection of arbitrary JavaScript code into the Web UI, potentially altering system behavior and leading to credential exposure.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Cognos Analytics
Vendor: IBM
Affected Versions: 11.0, 11.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: Required
Exploit Code Maturity: High
Scope: Changed
CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.0/UI:R/AV:N/AC:L/A:N/S:C/I:L/C:L/PR:L/RC:C/E:H/RL:O

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-4653 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply official fixes provided by IBM for the affected versions.
Educate users on safe browsing practices to mitigate the risk of XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
Implement web application firewalls to detect and prevent XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all systems running IBM Cognos Analytics versions 11.0 and 11.1 are updated with the latest security patches to mitigate the risk of cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.