CVE-2020-36124 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Pax Technology PAXSTORE v7.0.8_20200511171508 and lower versions are vulnerable to XML External Entity (XXE) injection, allowing attackers to compromise private keys and manipulate access tokens.

Understanding CVE-2020-36124

This CVE identifies a security issue in Pax Technology PAXSTORE software that can be exploited by authenticated attackers to impersonate users and gain unauthorized access.

What is CVE-2020-36124?

Pax Technology PAXSTORE v7.0.8_20200511171508 and earlier versions are susceptible to XXE injection, enabling attackers to hijack JWT token private keys and misuse them to control access tokens, potentially leading to unauthorized system access.

The Impact of CVE-2020-36124

The vulnerability allows malicious actors to compromise the security of the platform, posing a significant risk to the confidentiality and integrity of user data and system resources.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-36124

This section provides in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Pax Technology PAXSTORE v7.0.8_20200511171508 and lower versions enables XXE injection, facilitating the manipulation of access tokens and private keys.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Pax Technology PAXSTORE
Vendor: Pax Technology
Versions affected: v7.0.8_20200511171508 and lower

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by authenticated attackers to compromise JWT token private keys, allowing them to impersonate users and gain unauthorized access to the platform.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-36124 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Pax Technology PAXSTORE to the latest version that includes a patch for the XXE injection vulnerability.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities indicating unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict access controls and authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Regularly apply security patches and updates provided by Pax Technology to mitigate known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.