CVE-2020-10821 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Nagios XI 5.6.11 allows XSS via the account/main.php theme parameter.

Understanding CVE-2020-10821

Nagios XI 5.6.11 is vulnerable to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks through the theme parameter in the account/main.php page.

What is CVE-2020-10821?

This CVE identifies a security issue in Nagios XI 5.6.11 that enables attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of an authenticated user's session.

The Impact of CVE-2020-10821

The XSS vulnerability in Nagios XI 5.6.11 can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and potential compromise of sensitive information.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-10821

Nagios XI 5.6.11 vulnerability details.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Nagios XI 5.6.11 allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript code via the theme parameter in the account/main.php page.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Nagios XI
Version: 5.6.11

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious link containing the XSS payload and tricking an authenticated user into clicking it.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your system from CVE-2020-10821.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Nagios XI 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 application logs for suspicious activities.
Educate users about the risks of clicking on unverified links and practicing safe browsing habits.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates provided by Nagios to fix the XSS vulnerability in Nagios XI 5.6.11.