QRadar WinCollect Agent: Improper Encoding or Escaping of Output
CVE-2023-26279 is a high-severity improper encoding or escaping of output vulnerability in QRadar WinCollect Agent from IBM, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected QRadar WinCollect Agent versions: 10.0 through 10.1.7. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.22% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of QRadar WinCollect Agent you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBM | QRadar WinCollect Agent | 10.0 through 10.1.7 | Not stated |
| IBM | Qradar Wincollect | 10.0 through 10.1.7 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 3.3 | Low | CNA (us.ibm.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
IBM QRadar WinCollect Agent 10.0 through 10.1.7 could allow a local user to perform unauthorized actions due to improper encoding. IBM X-Force ID: 248160.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Encoding or Escaping of Output
The product prepares a structured message for communication with another component, but encoding or escaping of the data is either missing or done incorrectly. As a result, the intended structure of the message is not preserved.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid. For example, consider using the ESAPI Encoding control or a similar tool, library, or framework. These will help the programmer encode outputs in a manner less prone to error. Alternately, use built-in functions, but consider using wrappers in case those functions are discovered to have a vulnerability.
- If available, use structured mechanisms that automatically enforce the separation between data and code. These mechanisms may be able to provide the relevant quoting, encoding, and validation automatically, instead of relying on the developer to provide this capability at every point where output is generated. For example, stored procedures can enforce database query structure and reduce the likelihood of SQL injection.
- Understand the context in which your data will be used and the encoding that will be expected. This is especially important when transmitting data between different components, or when generating outputs that can contain multiple encodings at the same time, such as web pages or multi-part mail messages. Study all expected communication protocols and data representations to determine the required encoding strategies.
More Improper Encoding or Escaping of Output vulnerabilities (CWE-116)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Recent Improper Encoding or Escaping of Output vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.0 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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