CVE-2020-16861 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2020-16861 affecting Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises). Understand the impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation steps to secure your environment.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises) is affected by a cross-site scripting vulnerability that could allow an authenticated attacker to execute malicious scripts on affected systems. This CVE was published on September 11, 2020, with a CVSS base score of 5.4.
Understanding CVE-2020-16861
A cross-site scripting vulnerability in Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises) could enable attackers to run scripts in the security context of authenticated users, potentially leading to unauthorized actions and data exposure.
What is CVE-2020-16861?
A cross-site scripting flaw in Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises) allows attackers to send specially crafted requests to exploit the vulnerability, potentially leading to unauthorized access and malicious script execution.
The Impact of CVE-2020-16861
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in cross-site scripting attacks, enabling attackers to read unauthorized content, manipulate user actions, and inject malicious scripts into user browsers.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-16861
Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises) version 8.2 and 9.0 are affected by this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from inadequate sanitization of web requests to affected Dynamics servers, allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of authenticated users.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Vendor: Microsoft
- Affected Products: Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises) version 8.2 and 9.0
- Platforms: Unknown
- Versions: 8.0, 9.0.0
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted requests to affected Dynamics servers, enabling them to perform cross-site scripting attacks and manipulate user actions.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2020-16861, immediate actions and long-term security practices are recommended.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply the security update provided by Microsoft to ensure proper sanitization of web requests.
- Monitor for any unauthorized access or suspicious activities on Dynamics servers.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch Microsoft Dynamics 365 to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
- Educate users on safe browsing practices and the risks associated with cross-site scripting attacks.
Patching and Updates
Microsoft has released a security update to address the vulnerability by enhancing the sanitization of web requests in Dynamics Server.