CVE-2020-8493 : Security Advisory and Response

A stored XSS vulnerability in Kronos Web Time and Attendance (webTA) affects versions 3.8.x and earlier 3.x versions before 4.0, allowing malicious input via specific fields.

Understanding CVE-2020-8493

This CVE involves a stored XSS vulnerability in Kronos Web Time and Attendance (webTA) that impacts certain versions.

What is CVE-2020-8493?

This CVE identifies a stored XSS vulnerability in Kronos Web Time and Attendance (webTA) versions 3.8.x and earlier 3.x versions before 4.0. The vulnerability occurs through specific input fields accessible to authenticated administrators.

The Impact of CVE-2020-8493

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 6.9, with medium severity. It poses a risk of high integrity impact and low confidentiality impact, requiring high privileges and user interaction for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-8493

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows attackers to execute stored XSS attacks via input fields like Login Message, Banner Message, and Password Instructions in the com.threeis.webta.H261configMenu servlet.

Affected Systems and Versions

Kronos Web Time and Attendance (webTA) versions 3.8.x
Earlier 3.x versions before 4.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: High
User Interaction: Required
Scope: Changed
Integrity Impact: High
Confidentiality Impact: Low
Availability Impact: None

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from this vulnerability is crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by the vendor promptly.
Educate administrators on safe input handling practices.
Monitor and restrict access to vulnerable input fields.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to prevent vulnerabilities.
Conduct security training for administrators on XSS prevention.

Patching and Updates

Ensure all systems are updated to the latest secure versions.