CVE-2020-25799 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

LimeSurvey 3.21.1 is affected by a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Quota component of the Survey page, allowing the execution of JavaScript code in the browser.

Understanding CVE-2020-25799

This CVE identifies a security issue in LimeSurvey version 3.21.1 that can lead to XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2020-25799?

The vulnerability in LimeSurvey 3.21.1 enables malicious actors to execute JavaScript code in the browser by exploiting the Quota component on the Survey page.

The Impact of CVE-2020-25799

The XSS vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to perform various malicious actions, such as stealing sensitive data, session hijacking, or delivering malware to users accessing the affected page.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-25799

LimeSurvey 3.21.1's vulnerability can be further understood through technical details.

Vulnerability Description

The XSS flaw in LimeSurvey 3.21.1 allows unauthorized execution of JavaScript code when viewing the survey quota, posing a significant security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: LimeSurvey
Version: 3.21.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited by injecting malicious JavaScript code into the Quota component of the Survey page, triggering its execution in the browser.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-25799 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update LimeSurvey to the latest version to patch the XSS vulnerability.
Implement content security policy (CSP) to mitigate XSS attacks.
Regularly monitor and audit web applications for security vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security training for developers to raise awareness of secure coding practices.
Perform security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Stay informed about security updates and best practices in web application security.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by LimeSurvey to address the XSS vulnerability.