CVE-2020-28481 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover the impact of CVE-2020-28481, a vulnerability in socket.io < 2.4.0 due to CORS misconfiguration. Learn mitigation steps and long-term security practices.
The package socket.io before version 2.4.0 is vulnerable to Insecure Defaults due to CORS Misconfiguration. This CVE was made public on January 19, 2021.
Understanding CVE-2020-28481
This section provides insights into the nature and impact of the CVE.
What is CVE-2020-28481?
CVE-2020-28481 is a vulnerability in socket.io versions prior to 2.4.0 that stems from insecure defaults resulting from CORS misconfiguration. By default, all domains are whitelisted, potentially exposing systems to security risks.
The Impact of CVE-2020-28481
The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 5.3, categorizing it as a medium severity issue. The attack complexity is low, and it can be exploited over a network without requiring privileges. Although the confidentiality impact is low, it poses a risk to the integrity of affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-28481
Explore the technical aspects of the CVE in this section.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from insecure defaults due to CORS misconfiguration in socket.io versions before 2.4.0, where all domains are automatically whitelisted.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: socket.io
- Vendor: Not applicable
- Versions Affected: < 2.4.0 (unspecified/custom version)
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attack Vector: Network
- Privileges Required: None
- User Interaction: None
- Exploit Code Maturity: Proof of Concept
- Vector String: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N/E:P/RL:O/RC:C
Mitigation and Prevention
Learn how to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2020-28481.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade to version 2.4.0 or higher of socket.io to eliminate the vulnerability.
- Implement proper CORS configuration to restrict domain whitelisting.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly review and update CORS settings to ensure secure configurations.
- Conduct security assessments to identify and address similar misconfigurations.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security updates and patches released by socket.io.
- Apply patches promptly to protect systems from known vulnerabilities.