CVE-2021-38903 : Security Advisory and Response

IBM Cognos Analytics versions 11.1.7, 11.2.0, and 11.2.1 are affected by a cross-site scripting vulnerability. An attacker could exploit this issue to inject malicious scripts and potentially steal authentication credentials.

Understanding CVE-2021-38903

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-38903 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-38903?

CVE-2021-38903 is a cross-site scripting vulnerability affecting IBM Cognos Analytics versions 11.1.7, 11.2.0, and 11.2.1. It results from inadequate validation of user input, enabling a remote attacker to execute malicious scripts in a victim's web browser.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38903

The vulnerability poses a medium-severity risk with a CVSS base score of 5.4. An attacker could leverage this flaw to perform various attacks, including stealing authentication credentials.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38903

This section outlines the technical aspects of CVE-2021-38903.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper validation of user-supplied input in IBM Cognos Analytics. A successful exploit could lead to the execution of malicious scripts in a victim's web browser.

Affected Systems and Versions

IBM Cognos Analytics versions 11.1.7, 11.2.0, and 11.2.1 are confirmed to be impacted by this cross-site scripting vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting and executing malicious scripts in a victim's web browser through manipulated URLs.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section provides guidance on how to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-38903.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply official fixes provided by IBM for the affected versions of Cognos Analytics. Additionally, exercising caution while clicking on URLs can help prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, regular security audits, and user awareness training can enhance overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Staying up to date with security patches released by IBM for IBM Cognos Analytics is crucial in preventing potential attacks and maintaining system integrity.