CVE-2020-11611 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An issue was discovered in xdLocalStorage through 2.0.5 where the buildMessage() function in xdLocalStorage.js uses the wildcard (*) as the targetOrigin when calling the postMessage() function, allowing any domain within the iframe to receive client messages.

Understanding CVE-2020-11611

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in xdLocalStorage through version 2.0.5 that can lead to cross-domain data leakage.

What is CVE-2020-11611?

The vulnerability arises from improper implementation in the buildMessage() function, enabling unauthorized access to messages sent by the client.

The Impact of CVE-2020-11611

The vulnerability allows any domain loaded within the iframe to intercept and receive messages intended for the client, potentially leading to data leakage and security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-11611

This section provides detailed technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The buildMessage() function in xdLocalStorage.js specifies the wildcard (*) as the targetOrigin, enabling any domain within the iframe to receive client messages.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: xdLocalStorage
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: Up to 2.0.5

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the wildcard targetOrigin, any domain loaded within the iframe can intercept and access messages sent by the client.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems and data from CVE-2020-11611 with the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or restrict cross-domain communication in your applications.
Implement strict message origin validation to prevent unauthorized access.
Regularly monitor and audit message exchanges within iframes.

Long-Term Security Practices

Follow the principle of least privilege to limit access to sensitive data.
Educate developers on secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Update xdLocalStorage to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability.