CVE-2020-11583 : Security Advisory and Response

A GET-based XSS reflected vulnerability in Plesk Obsidian 18.0.17 allows remote unauthenticated users to inject arbitrary JavaScript, HTML, or CSS via a GET parameter.

Understanding CVE-2020-11583

This CVE involves a security vulnerability in Plesk Obsidian that enables attackers to execute malicious scripts through a specific method.

What is CVE-2020-11583?

CVE-2020-11583 is a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in Plesk Obsidian version 18.0.17, which permits unauthenticated remote users to insert and execute arbitrary code using a GET parameter.

The Impact of CVE-2020-11583

This vulnerability can lead to various malicious activities, including data theft, unauthorized access, and website defacement, posing a significant risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-11583

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows attackers to inject JavaScript, HTML, or CSS code into web pages through a specific GET parameter, potentially compromising the security and integrity of the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Plesk Obsidian
Version: 18.0.17
Status: Affected

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious URLs containing the injected code, which, when accessed by unsuspecting users, triggers the execution of the injected scripts.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-11583 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Plesk to address the vulnerability promptly.
Monitor and filter user inputs to detect and prevent malicious code injection attempts.
Educate users about the risks of clicking on suspicious links or accessing untrusted websites.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Implement web application firewalls and security protocols to prevent XSS attacks.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential security gaps.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that Plesk Obsidian is updated to the latest version that includes fixes for CVE-2020-11583 to prevent exploitation of the vulnerability.