CVE-2021-38893 : Security Advisory and Response

IBM Business Process Manager 8.5 and 8.6 as well as IBM Business Automation Workflow versions 18.0, 19.0, 20.0, and 21.0 are susceptible to stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability. This flaw enables attackers to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the Web UI, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information within a trusted session.

Understanding CVE-2021-38893

This section delves into the details of the XSS vulnerability affecting IBM products.

What is CVE-2021-38893?

IBM Business Process Manager and IBM Business Automation Workflow are impacted by a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability (XSS). This security loophole allows malicious users to insert JavaScript code into the Web UI, thus compromising the integrity of the systems and potentially exposing sensitive credentials.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38893

The XSS vulnerability in IBM products poses a medium-level security risk, with a CVSS base score of 6.4. Attackers with low privileges can exploit this flaw to compromise confidentiality and integrity, potentially altering the intended functionality and gaining unauthorized access within a trusted session.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38893

Explore the specific technical aspects of the cross-site scripting vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows threat actors to embed malicious JavaScript code into the Web UI, paving the way for unauthorized access and potential data leakage within secure sessions.

Affected Systems and Versions

IBM Business Process Manager versions 8.5, 8.6, and IBM Business Automation Workflow versions 18.0, 19.0, 20.0, and 21.0 are impacted by this security flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting crafted JavaScript payloads into the Web UI to bypass security mechanisms and execute unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the essential steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-38893.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should apply official fixes provided by IBM to address the XSS vulnerability promptly. Additionally, users are advised to monitor and restrict access to potentially vulnerable systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices, conduct regular security audits, and educate users on identifying and reporting potential security threats to enhance overall system security.

Patching and Updates

Stay vigilant for security updates and patches released by IBM to address vulnerabilities promptly and protect systems from potential exploitation.