CVE-2017-8440 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2017-8440 affecting Kibana versions 5.3.0 to 5.3.3 and 5.4.1 by Elastic. Discover the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps for this XSS vulnerability.
Kibana version 5.3.0 to 5.3.3 and 5.4.1 by Elastic had a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability that could lead to unauthorized data access or malicious activities.
Understanding CVE-2017-8440
Kibana's vulnerability allowed potential unauthorized access to sensitive data or malicious actions under the guise of other users.
What is CVE-2017-8440?
Starting from Kibana version 5.3.0, a vulnerability on the Discover page exposed a cross-site scripting (XSS) flaw, enabling attackers to perform unauthorized actions.
The Impact of CVE-2017-8440
The vulnerability could grant unauthorized access to sensitive data or enable malicious activities in the name of other Kibana users.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-8440
Kibana version 5.3.0 to 5.3.3 and 5.4.1 were affected by a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The XSS vulnerability in Kibana's Discover page could allow attackers to access sensitive information or perform destructive actions on behalf of other users.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Kibana
- Vendor: Elastic
- Versions Affected: 5.3.0 to 5.3.3, 5.4.1
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers could exploit the vulnerability in the Discover page to execute cross-site scripting attacks, potentially compromising sensitive data.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take:
- Update Kibana to the latest version to patch the vulnerability.
- Monitor for any unauthorized access or suspicious activities on the Discover page.
Long-Term Security Practices:
- Regularly update and patch all software components to prevent vulnerabilities.
- Implement strict input validation mechanisms to mitigate XSS risks.
- Educate users on safe browsing practices and the risks of XSS attacks.
- Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
- Stay informed about security updates and advisories from Elastic.
Patching and Updates
Ensure all instances of Kibana are updated to versions that address the XSS vulnerability to enhance security.