CVE-2020-21487 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A Cross Site Scripting vulnerability found in Netgate pfSense 2.4.4 and ACME package v.0.6.3 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via the RootFolder field of acme_certificates.php.

Understanding CVE-2020-21487

This CVE identifies a Cross Site Scripting vulnerability in Netgate pfSense 2.4.4 and ACME package v.0.6.3.

What is CVE-2020-21487?

Cross Site Scripting (XSS) is a type of security vulnerability typically found in web applications. In this case, the vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.

The Impact of CVE-2020-21487

This vulnerability could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or further compromise of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-21487

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in the RootFolder field of acme_certificates.php, allowing attackers to insert and execute malicious code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Netgate
Product: pfSense 2.4.4
ACME package version: 0.6.3

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious code into the RootFolder field of acme_certificates.php, which gets executed when the page is loaded.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Netgate pfSense to the latest version.
Disable the affected ACME package until a patch is available.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit web application code for vulnerabilities.
Implement input validation and output encoding to prevent XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by Netgate for pfSense and the ACME package to address the vulnerability.