CVE-2020-16858 : Security Advisory and Response

Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises) is affected by a cross-site scripting vulnerability that could allow an authenticated attacker to execute malicious scripts on the system. This CVE was published on September 11, 2020, with a CVSS base score of 5.4.

Understanding CVE-2020-16858

A cross-site scripting vulnerability in Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises) version 9.0 allows attackers to execute scripts in the security context of authenticated users, potentially leading to unauthorized actions and data exposure.

What is CVE-2020-16858?

The vulnerability arises from improper sanitization of web requests to affected Dynamics servers.
An authenticated attacker can exploit this flaw by sending a specially crafted request to the server.
Successful exploitation enables cross-site scripting attacks, allowing unauthorized access and malicious content injection.

The Impact of CVE-2020-16858

Attackers can read unauthorized content, manipulate permissions, and inject malicious scripts in the user's browser.
The security update addresses this issue by enhancing request sanitization in Dynamics Server.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-16858

Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises) version 9.0 is susceptible to the following:

Vulnerability Description

Cross-site scripting vulnerability due to inadequate sanitization of web requests.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Microsoft
Product: Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises) version 9.0
Platforms: Unknown
Versions: 9.0.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the vulnerability by sending crafted requests to affected Dynamics servers.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2020-16858, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the security update provided by Microsoft to ensure proper sanitization of web requests.
Educate users on identifying and avoiding suspicious links or requests.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch Microsoft Dynamics 365 to address security vulnerabilities.
Implement web application firewalls and security protocols to prevent cross-site scripting attacks.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.
Monitor and analyze web traffic for signs of malicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Microsoft to promptly address vulnerabilities and enhance system security.