CVE-2017-5876 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability was found in dotCMS 3.7.0, allowing unauthenticated attacks targeting the date parameter in the /news-events/events section.

Understanding CVE-2017-5876

This CVE involves a security vulnerability in dotCMS 3.7.0 that can be exploited through a specific attack vector.

What is CVE-2017-5876?

CVE-2017-5876 is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in dotCMS 3.7.0, enabling unauthenticated attacks on the date parameter within the /news-events/events section.

The Impact of CVE-2017-5876

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of data on affected systems, potentially compromising user information and system integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-5876

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The XSS vulnerability in dotCMS 3.7.0 allows attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a user's session, posing a significant security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Version: dotCMS 3.7.0
Systems: Any system running dotCMS 3.7.0 is vulnerable to this exploit.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into the date parameter of the /news-events/events section, potentially leading to XSS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-5876 requires immediate action and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update dotCMS to a patched version that addresses the XSS vulnerability.
Implement input validation mechanisms to sanitize user inputs and prevent XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit web applications for security vulnerabilities.
Educate users and developers on secure coding practices to mitigate XSS risks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by dotCMS to address known vulnerabilities.