CVE-2020-19881 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

DBHcms v1.2.0 has a reflected XSS vulnerability due to a lack of security filtering in dbhcms\mod\mod.selector.php. An attacker with admin user access can exploit this to hijack other users.

Understanding CVE-2020-19881

What is CVE-2020-19881?

CVE-2020-19881 is a reflected XSS vulnerability in DBHcms v1.2.0 that allows a remote authenticated attacker to execute malicious scripts in a victim's browser.

The Impact of CVE-2020-19881

This vulnerability can lead to session hijacking, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential manipulation of user data.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-19881

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the absence of security filtering for the $_GET['return_name'] parameter in dbhcms\mod\mod.selector.php line 108.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected System: DBHcms v1.2.0
Affected Version: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

An authenticated attacker with admin user privileges can inject and execute malicious scripts through the vulnerable parameter, potentially compromising user accounts.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the latest security patches provided by the vendor.
Implement input validation and output encoding to prevent XSS attacks.
Monitor and restrict user permissions to minimize the impact of potential exploits.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Educate users and administrators about safe coding practices and the risks of XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and advisories from the DBHcms vendor.
Promptly apply patches and updates to mitigate known vulnerabilities.