CVE-2020-1580 : What You Need to Know
Discover how CVE-2020-1580, a cross-site scripting flaw in Microsoft SharePoint, allows attackers to execute malicious scripts and gain unauthorized access.
On August 17, 2020, Microsoft published CVE-2020-1580, a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability affecting multiple Microsoft SharePoint Server versions.
Understanding CVE-2020-1580
What is CVE-2020-1580?
A cross-site scripting vulnerability exists in Microsoft SharePoint Server due to improper sanitization of web requests. This allows an authenticated attacker to execute XSS attacks, potentially leading to unauthorized data access and malicious code execution.
The Impact of CVE-2020-1580
The exploitation of this vulnerability could enable unauthorized access, data manipulation, and execution of malicious scripts within the security context of the current user on affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-1580
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from inadequate sanitization of web requests in Microsoft SharePoint Server, facilitating XSS 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 2013 Service Pack 1 (Version 15.0.0)
- Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 Service Pack 2 (Version 13.0.0.0)
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted requests to affected SharePoint servers, allowing them to execute XSS attacks.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply the security update provided by Microsoft to address the vulnerability.
- Monitor for any unauthorized access or unusual activities on SharePoint servers.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement web application firewalls to mitigate XSS vulnerabilities.
- Regularly update and patch SharePoint servers to prevent future exploits.
- Educate users about phishing attacks and the importance of verifying web content.
Patching and Updates
Microsoft has released a security update to address the XSS vulnerability in SharePoint Server. It is crucial to apply this patch promptly to safeguard SharePoint environments.