CVE-2019-4451 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

IBM Security Identity Manager 6.0.0 is affected by a Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability that allows users to insert arbitrary JavaScript code into the Web UI, potentially leading to credential disclosure within a trusted session.

Understanding CVE-2019-4451

This CVE involves a medium severity XSS vulnerability in IBM Security Identity Manager 6.0.0.

What is CVE-2019-4451?

The vulnerability enables users to inject malicious JavaScript code into the Web UI, potentially altering its intended functionality and risking credential exposure within a trusted session.

The Impact of CVE-2019-4451

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Network
Base Score: 5.4 (Medium)
Confidentiality Impact: Low
Integrity Impact: Low
User Interaction: Required
Exploit Code Maturity: High
Scope: Changed
Remediation Level: Official Fix
Temporal Score: 5.2 (Medium)
Vector String: CVSS:3.0/I:L/A:N/AC:L/AV:N/S:C/PR:L/UI:R/C:L/RL:O/RC:C/E:H

Technical Details of CVE-2019-4451

Vulnerability Description

The XSS vulnerability in IBM Security Identity Manager 6.0.0 allows the insertion of arbitrary JavaScript code into the Web UI, posing a risk of credential exposure.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Security Identity Manager
Vendor: IBM
Version: 6.0.0

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability requires low privileges and user interaction to exploit, with a high exploit code maturity level.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the official fix provided by IBM to address the vulnerability.
Educate users about the risks of executing arbitrary JavaScript code.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the Security Identity Manager to prevent vulnerabilities.
Implement secure coding practices to mitigate XSS risks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that Security Identity Manager is regularly updated with the latest security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities.