CVE-2021-20066 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

JSDom improperly allows the loading of local resources, leading to the manipulation of local files by a malicious web page.

Understanding CVE-2021-20066

This CVE involves the improper access control in JSDom, specifically version 16.4.0.

What is CVE-2021-20066?

The vulnerability in JSDom permits the loading of local resources, enabling malicious web pages to tamper with local files when script execution is enabled.

The Impact of CVE-2021-20066

The impact of this CVE is significant as it allows threat actors to access and manipulate local files, posing a serious security risk to users and organizations.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-20066

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

JSDom version 16.4.0 improperly handles the loading of local resources, providing an opportunity for threat actors to exploit this weakness.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects systems with JSDom version 16.4.0 installed. Users of this version are at risk of having their local files manipulated by malicious actors.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the flaw in JSDom's handling of local resources, attackers can craft malicious web pages to execute scripts that manipulate local files.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from CVE-2021-20066, immediate action and long-term security practices are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and organizations should consider updating JSDom to a secure version and disabling script execution from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular security audits, and staying informed about vulnerabilities are essential for long-term security.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying patches and updates for JSDom and other software components is fundamental to addressing known vulnerabilities.