CVE-2020-16878 : 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.

Understanding CVE-2020-16878

This CVE involves a security issue in Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises) that could lead to cross-site scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2020-16878?

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

The Impact of CVE-2020-16878

Exploiting this vulnerability could enable attackers to perform various malicious activities, including reading unauthorized content, manipulating user permissions, and injecting harmful content into user browsers.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-16878

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from inadequate sanitization of web requests to affected Dynamics servers, enabling attackers to send crafted requests and execute scripts.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Microsoft
Affected Product: Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises) versions 8.2 and 9.0
Platforms: Unknown
Versions: 8.0 and 9.0.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted requests to affected Dynamics servers, allowing them to execute scripts in the context of authenticated users.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-16878, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the security update provided by Microsoft to ensure proper sanitization of web requests.
Monitor for any unusual activities on Dynamics servers that could indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch Microsoft Dynamics 365 to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Educate users on safe browsing practices to minimize the risk of cross-site scripting attacks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates from Microsoft to mitigate the risk of cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.