CVE-2020-1941 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Apache ActiveMQ 5.0.0 to 5.15.11 is susceptible to XSS attacks via the webconsole admin GUI.

Understanding CVE-2020-1941

Apache ActiveMQ versions 5.0.0 to 5.15.11 are affected by a vulnerability that exposes the webconsole admin GUI to XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2020-1941?

In Apache ActiveMQ 5.0.0 to 5.15.11, the webconsole admin GUI is open to XSS, specifically in the view listing the contents of a queue.

The Impact of CVE-2020-1941

Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to launch XSS attacks via the webconsole admin GUI.
Successful exploitation may lead to unauthorized access, data theft, or further attacks against the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-1941

Affected product and versions:

Affected Product: Apache ActiveMQ
Affected Versions: Apache ActiveMQ 5.0.0 to 5.15.11

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Apache ActiveMQ allows malicious actors to execute XSS attacks through the webconsole admin GUI when viewing queue contents.

Affected Systems and Versions

Apache ActiveMQ versions 5.0.0 to 5.15.11 are confirmed to be impacted by this XSS vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can inject malicious scripts into the queue content view of the webconsole admin GUI, exploiting the XSS vulnerability.

Mitigation and Prevention

Security measures to address CVE-2020-1941:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable access to the webconsole admin GUI if not essential.
Implement input validation to filter and sanitize user inputs.
Regularly monitor and review access logs for suspicious activities.
Apply security patches or updates provided by Apache ActiveMQ.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct routine security audits and penetration testing.
Educate users on XSS risks and safe browsing practices.
Keep systems and software up to date with the latest security fixes.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Apache ActiveMQ for any patches addressing this vulnerability.