CVE-2021-39079 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

IBM Cognos Analytics Mobile for Android applications prior to version 1.1.14 is vulnerable to cross-site scripting, allowing users to embed arbitrary JavaScript code in the Web UI. This could lead to credentials disclosure within a trusted session.

Understanding CVE-2021-39079

IBM Cognos Analytics Mobile for Android applications has a vulnerability that allows unauthorized JavaScript code injection.

What is CVE-2021-39079?

CVE-2021-39079 is a cross-site scripting vulnerability in IBM Cognos Analytics Mobile, enabling attackers to manipulate the Web UI with malicious JavaScript code.

The Impact of CVE-2021-39079

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 5.4 (Medium severity), potentially leading to credentials disclosure within trusted sessions.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-39079

This section covers specific technical details of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Vulnerability Type: Cross-Site Scripting
Vendor: IBM
Affected Product: Cognos Analytics Mobile
Vulnerable Version: 1.1
IBM X-Force ID: 215592

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Cognos Analytics Mobile
Vendor: IBM
Vulnerable Versions:
Cognos Analytics Mobile 1.1

Exploitation Mechanism

This vulnerability can be exploited by injecting malicious JavaScript code into the Web UI of IBM Cognos Analytics Mobile applications.

Mitigation and Prevention

Actions to address and prevent exploitation of the vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update IBM Cognos Analytics Mobile to version 1.1.14 or later.
Monitor and restrict input fields to prevent script injection.
Educate users on identifying and reporting suspicious activities on the Web UI.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and review the application for vulnerabilities.
Implement security training for developers to prevent future script injection vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Utilize official fixes provided by IBM to patch the vulnerability.