CVE-2021-41461 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in concrete5-legacy 5.6.4.0 and below allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML.

Understanding CVE-2021-41461

What is CVE-2021-41461?

The CVE-2021-41461 vulnerability pertains to a Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in concrete5-legacy 5.6.4.0 and earlier versions. Attackers can exploit this issue to inject malicious web scripts or HTML using the mode parameter.

The Impact of CVE-2021-41461

This vulnerability can enable remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to data theft, unauthorized access, and other security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-41461

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in concrete/elements/collection_add.php in concrete5-legacy 5.6.4.0 and earlier versions, allowing attackers to perform Cross-site scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: concrete5-legacy
Vendor: N/A
Versions: 5.6.4.0 and below

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious web scripts or HTML via the mode parameter, leading to successful Cross-site scripting attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade concrete5-legacy to a secure version that addresses the CVE-2021-41461 vulnerability.
Validate and sanitize user inputs to prevent XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software components to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
Educate developers on secure coding practices to prevent XSS and other common web application vulnerabilities.
Monitor web applications for suspicious activities that could indicate XSS attacks.
Implement a web application firewall (WAF) to filter and block malicious traffic.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by concrete5-legacy promptly to fix the XSS vulnerability and enhance overall system security.