CVE-2020-11584 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A GET-based XSS reflected vulnerability in Plesk Onyx 17.8.11 allows remote unauthenticated users to inject arbitrary JavaScript, HTML, or CSS via a GET parameter.

Understanding CVE-2020-11584

This CVE involves a security vulnerability in Plesk Onyx 17.8.11 that enables unauthenticated remote users to execute malicious scripts through a specific GET parameter.

What is CVE-2020-11584?

CVE-2020-11584 is a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) reflected vulnerability found in Plesk Onyx 17.8.11, which can be exploited by attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The Impact of CVE-2020-11584

This vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows attackers to manipulate the behavior of web applications, potentially leading to various malicious activities such as data theft, session hijacking, and website defacement.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-11584

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation in Plesk Onyx 17.8.11, enabling attackers to insert malicious code through a specific GET parameter, leading to XSS attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected System: Plesk Onyx 17.8.11
Affected Versions: All versions of Plesk Onyx 17.8.11

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious URL containing the injected code and tricking unsuspecting users into clicking the link, thereby executing the malicious script.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-11584 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Plesk to address the vulnerability promptly.
Implement strict input validation mechanisms to sanitize user inputs and prevent XSS attacks.
Educate users about the risks of clicking on untrusted links to mitigate the exploitation of this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to ensure all known vulnerabilities are addressed.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and remediate potential security weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Plesk and promptly apply patches to secure systems against known vulnerabilities.