CVE-2020-24656 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Maltego before 4.2.12 is vulnerable to XXE attacks.

Understanding CVE-2020-24656

Maltego version before 4.2.12 is susceptible to XML External Entity (XXE) attacks.

What is CVE-2020-24656?

This CVE identifies a security vulnerability in Maltego versions prior to 4.2.12 that allows for XXE attacks, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data exposure.

The Impact of CVE-2020-24656

The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to perform XXE attacks, compromising the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information processed by Maltego.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-24656

Maltego before 4.2.12 is affected by the following:

Vulnerability Description

Maltego before 4.2.12 allows XXE attacks, enabling threat actors to manipulate XML input to access sensitive data.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Maltego
Vendor: N/A
Versions: All versions before 4.2.12

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the XXE vulnerability in Maltego by injecting malicious XML content to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate action to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2020-24656:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Maltego to version 4.2.12 or later to patch the XXE vulnerability.
Implement strict input validation to prevent malicious XML input.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address potential weaknesses.
Educate users on safe practices to prevent exploitation of vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Maltego to promptly apply patches and protect against emerging threats.