CVE-2020-11944 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2020-11944 affecting Abe (bitcoin-abe) versions 0.7.2 and 0.8pre, allowing XSS attacks. Find mitigation steps and prevention measures here.
Abe (aka bitcoin-abe) through 0.7.2, and 0.8pre, allows XSS in call in abe.py due to mishandling of the PATH_INFO environment variable during a PageNotFound exception.
Understanding CVE-2020-11944
Abe (aka bitcoin-abe) is vulnerable to a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack that can be exploited through a specific mishandling of environment variables.
What is CVE-2020-11944?
This CVE identifies a security vulnerability in Abe (bitcoin-abe) versions 0.7.2 and 0.8pre that enables XSS through the mishandling of the PATH_INFO environment variable.
The Impact of CVE-2020-11944
The vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a user's session, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-11944
Abe (bitcoin-abe) is susceptible to XSS due to improper handling of environment variables during a PageNotFound exception.
Vulnerability Description
The issue arises from the mishandling of the PATH_INFO environment variable in the call function within abe.py, enabling XSS attacks.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Abe (bitcoin-abe) versions 0.7.2 and 0.8pre
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the PATH_INFO environment variable during a PageNotFound exception, injecting malicious scripts.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2020-11944, immediate actions and long-term security practices are essential.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Disable Abe (bitcoin-abe) if not essential for operations
- Implement input validation to sanitize user inputs
- Monitor and filter user-supplied data for malicious content
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update Abe (bitcoin-abe) to the latest secure version
- Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities
- Educate developers on secure coding practices
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches provided by the vendor promptly
- Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Abe (bitcoin-abe) maintainers