CVE-2020-1696 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A flaw in all pki-core 10.x.x versions could lead to a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability when Profile IDs are not properly sanitized, enabling attackers to execute malicious scripts on authenticated victims.

Understanding CVE-2020-1696

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the Token Processing Service (TPS) of all pki-core 10.x.x versions.

What is CVE-2020-1696?

The vulnerability arises from inadequate sanitization of Profile IDs in TPS, allowing for Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks when malicious code is executed via Profile IDs.

The Impact of CVE-2020-1696

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Network
Base Score: 4.6 (Medium)
User Interaction: Required
Privileges Required: Low
Scope: Unchanged
Confidentiality and Integrity Impact: Low
Availability Impact: None
CWE-79: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability

Technical Details of CVE-2020-1696

This section provides detailed technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw allows for the execution of specially crafted Javascript code via Profile IDs, potentially compromising the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: PKI-Core
Vendor: [UNKNOWN]
Versions: All pki-core 10.x.x versions

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with sufficient permissions can exploit the vulnerability by tricking authenticated users into executing malicious scripts embedded in Profile IDs.

Mitigation and Prevention

Measures to address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2020-1696.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by the vendor
Educate users about the risks of executing unknown scripts

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security assessments and audits
Implement strict input validation controls

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation.