CVE-2020-27988 : Security Advisory and Response

Nagios XI before 5.7.5 is vulnerable to XSS in Manage Users (Username field).

Understanding CVE-2020-27988

Nagios XI before 5.7.5 is susceptible to a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Manage Users section, specifically in the Username field.

What is CVE-2020-27988?

CVE-2020-27988 is a security vulnerability found in Nagios XI versions prior to 5.7.5, allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of an authenticated user's session.

The Impact of CVE-2020-27988

This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to perform various malicious actions, such as stealing sensitive information, performing unauthorized actions, or gaining access to the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-27988

Nagios XI before 5.7.5 is affected by the following:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the Username field within the Manage Users section, enabling attackers to inject and execute arbitrary scripts.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Nagios XI
Vendor: Nagios
Versions Affected: All versions before 5.7.5

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into the Username field, which get executed when viewed by other users.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-27988, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Nagios XI to version 5.7.5 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor and review user inputs for any suspicious or malicious content.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation mechanisms to prevent script injection attacks.
Educate users on safe practices regarding sharing and handling sensitive information.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Nagios and apply them promptly to ensure system security.