CVE-2020-1499 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Microsoft SharePoint Spoofing Vulnerability was published on August 17, 2020, affecting several versions of Microsoft SharePoint servers.

Understanding CVE-2020-1499

A spoofing vulnerability in SharePoint Server allows attackers to execute cross-site scripting attacks and perform actions on behalf of users.

What is CVE-2020-1499?

A spoofing vulnerability in Microsoft SharePoint Server allows attackers to exploit specially crafted web requests, potentially leading to unauthorized data access and malicious actions.

The Impact of CVE-2020-1499

The vulnerability enables attackers to conduct cross-site scripting attacks, read unauthorized content, impersonate users, manipulate permissions, and inject malicious content.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-1499

The vulnerability affects various versions of Microsoft SharePoint servers.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from improper sanitization of web requests, allowing authenticated attackers to send crafted requests and execute cross-site scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server 2016 (version 16.0.0)
Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server 2013 Service Pack 1 (version 15.0.0)
Microsoft SharePoint Server 2019 (version 16.0.0)
Microsoft SharePoint Foundation 2010 Service Pack 2 (version 13.0.0)
Microsoft SharePoint Foundation 2013 Service Pack 1 (version 15.0.0)

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the vulnerability by sending specially crafted requests to SharePoint servers, enabling them to execute cross-site scripting attacks and manipulate user actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to mitigate the CVE-2020-1499 vulnerability include immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security updates provided by Microsoft promptly.
Monitor SharePoint server logs for unusual activities.
Educate users on safe browsing practices to prevent malicious script execution.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and audits.
Implement strict access controls and permissions.
Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Microsoft.

Patching and Updates

Microsoft has released a security update to address the vulnerability. Ensure that SharePoint servers are updated with the latest patches to protect against potential exploits.