CVE-2021-42856 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-42856, a Cross-site scripting vulnerability in SteelCentral AppInternals Dynamic Sampling Agent by Aternity. Find details on the impact, affected versions, exploitation, and mitigation steps.
A Cross-site scripting vulnerability affecting SteelCentral AppInternals Dynamic Sampling Agent by Aternity.
Understanding CVE-2021-42856
What is CVE-2021-42856?
CVE-2021-42856 is a reflected Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the /DsaDataTest endpoint of SteelCentral AppInternals Dynamic Sampling Agent by Aternity. This vulnerability allows attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts on the web page viewed by other users.
The Impact of CVE-2021-42856
This vulnerability could lead to the compromise of sensitive data, unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users, or complete system takeover by malicious actors.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-42856
Vulnerability Description
The /DsaDataTest endpoint lacks input validation on the Metric parameter, enabling attackers to insert and execute arbitrary scripts, leading to XSS attacks.
Affected Systems and Versions
- SteelCentral AppInternals Dynamic Sampling Agent 10.x
- SteelCentral AppInternals Dynamic Sampling Agent less than 12.13.0 (custom version)
- SteelCentral AppInternals Dynamic Sampling Agent less than 11.8.8 (custom version)
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability arises due to the absence of proper input validation on the Metric parameter, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts via crafted payloads, leading to XSS exploitation.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply the latest security patches provided by Aternity to address the vulnerability.
- Implement content security policies (CSP) to mitigate XSS attacks.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
- Conduct security assessments and code reviews to identify and remediate potential vulnerabilities.
- Educate developers and system users on secure coding practices and awareness of XSS vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Timely application of security patches released by Aternity is crucial to remediate the XSS vulnerability and enhance the overall security of the affected systems.