CVE-2020-16946 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2020-16946, a XSS vulnerability in Microsoft SharePoint Server allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts. Find out the impacted systems and mitigation steps.
A detailed description of the Microsoft Office SharePoint XSS Vulnerability CVE-2020-16946.
Understanding CVE-2020-16946
This CVE involves a cross-site-scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Microsoft SharePoint Server that could allow attackers to execute malicious scripts.
What is CVE-2020-16946?
A XSS vulnerability in Microsoft SharePoint Server allows attackers to run scripts in the security context of the current user, potentially leading to unauthorized access and malicious actions.
The Impact of CVE-2020-16946
The vulnerability enables attackers to perform cross-site scripting attacks, read unauthorized content, manipulate permissions, and inject malicious content in users' browsers.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-16946
Details on the technical aspects of the CVE-2020-16946 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The XSS vulnerability arises from inadequate sanitization of web requests to affected SharePoint servers, enabling authenticated attackers to exploit the flaw.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server 2016 (Version 16.0.0)
- 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 can exploit the vulnerability by sending specially crafted requests to affected SharePoint servers, allowing them to execute malicious scripts.
Mitigation and Prevention
Ways to mitigate and prevent the CVE-2020-16946 vulnerability.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply the security update provided by Microsoft to ensure proper sanitization of web requests.
- Monitor and restrict user permissions to minimize the impact of potential attacks.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch SharePoint servers to address security vulnerabilities.
- Educate users on safe browsing practices and the risks of executing unknown scripts.
Patching and Updates
Microsoft has released a security update to address the XSS vulnerability in SharePoint servers.