CVE-2024-49343: IBM Informix Dynamic Server Vulnerable to HTML Injection
TL;DR Summary: A vulnerability exists in IBM Informix Dynamic Server versions 12.10 and 14.10 that allows a remote attacker to inject malicious HTML code into the system. When a user views the injected code, it executes within their browser under the security context of the hosting site, potentially leading to information theft or other malicious activities.
Vulnerability Details
- CVE ID: CVE-2024-49343
- Description: IBM Informix Dynamic Server 12.10 and 14.10 is vulnerable to HTML injection. A remote attacker could inject malicious HTML code, which when viewed, would be executed in the victim's Web browser within the security context of the hosting site.
- CVSS Score and Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N, Base Score: 5.4 (Medium). This means the vulnerability is accessible over the network (AV:N), doesn't require special conditions to exploit (AC:L), requires the attacker to have low privileges (PR:L), needs user interaction (UI:R), and can affect the confidentiality and integrity but not availability (C:L/I:L/A:N). The scope is changed, implying that the impact could extend beyond the vulnerable component.
- Exploit Requirements: An attacker needs network access and a valid, albeit low-privileged, account on the Informix server. User interaction is required to trigger the exploit.
- Affected Vendor, Product, Version: IBM Informix Dynamic Server 12.10 and 14.10.
- CWE: CWE-80 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting'). This means the application doesn't properly sanitize user-supplied input before displaying it in a web page, allowing attackers to inject malicious HTML or JavaScript code.
Timeline of Events
- 2024: Vulnerability discovered.
- 2025-07-28: CVE assigned and published.
Exploitability & Real-World Risk
While the CVSS score is medium, the real-world risk could be higher depending on how Informix is used. If Informix is used to manage sensitive data that is displayed through a web interface, an attacker could use this HTML injection to steal user credentials, redirect users to phishing sites, or deface the web application. The impact could be significant, especially if the injected script accesses sensitive data or performs actions on behalf of an authenticated user.
Recommendations
- Apply Patches: Apply the latest security patches and updates provided by IBM for Informix Dynamic Server 12.10 and 14.10 as soon as they become available.
- Input Validation: Implement robust input validation and sanitization to prevent HTML injection. Use context-aware output encoding to ensure that data is displayed safely in web pages.
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) to detect and block malicious requests that attempt to exploit this vulnerability.
- Principle of Least Privilege: Ensure that users have only the necessary privileges to perform their tasks. Restrict access to sensitive data and functions.
Technical Insight
HTML injection occurs when a web application doesn't properly sanitize user input before displaying it in a web page. An attacker can inject malicious HTML tags or JavaScript code into the input field. When a user views the page, the injected code is executed by the user's browser, potentially leading to a variety of security issues. For example, an attacker could inject a script tag that redirects the user to a phishing website or steals their cookies.
Credit to Researcher(s)
This vulnerability was reported by IBM Product Security Incident Response Team.
References
Tags
#Security #CVE-2024-49343 #HTMLInjection #IBMInformix #Database #Vulnerability
Summary: IBM Informix Dynamic Server 12.10 and 14.10 is vulnerable to HTML injection. A remote attacker could inject malicious HTML code, which when viewed, would be executed in the victim's Web browser within the security context of the hosting site.
CVE ID: CVE-2024-49343
Risk Analysis: Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to steal user credentials, redirect users to phishing sites, deface the web application, or potentially gain further access to the system if the injected script accesses other vulnerabilities.
Recommendation: Apply the latest security patches and updates provided by IBM. Implement robust input validation and sanitization to prevent HTML injection. Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) to detect and block malicious requests.
Timeline
- 2024: Vulnerability discovered.
- 2025-07-28: CVE assigned and published.