CVE-2021-22021 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2021-22021 article provides details about a Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in VMware vRealize Log Insight version 8.x prior to 8.4.

Understanding CVE-2021-22021

This section delves into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-22021.

What is CVE-2021-22021?

CVE-2021-22021 is a Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in VMware vRealize Log Insight (8.x prior to 8.4) due to inadequate user input validation. It allows an attacker with user privileges to inject a malicious payload via the Log Insight UI, leading to execution when the victim accesses a shared dashboard link.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22021

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it enables attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of an unsuspecting user's session, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22021

This section outlines the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The XSS flaw in VMware vRealize Log Insight (8.x prior to 8.4) arises from the lack of proper input validation, allowing for the injection of harmful scripts via the Log Insight UI.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems running VMware vRealize Log Insight versions prior to 8.4 are susceptible to this XSS vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker, leveraging user privileges on the Log Insight UI, can embed a malicious payload that executes upon the victim opening a shared dashboard link.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover immediate steps to take and long-term security practices to safeguard against CVE-2021-22021.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade VMware vRealize Log Insight to version 8.4 or newer to mitigate the XSS vulnerability.
Regularly monitor dashboard links for any suspicious behavior or unexpected scripts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict input validation mechanisms to prevent XSS attacks in web applications.
Educate users about the risks associated with opening shared dashboard links from untrusted sources.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply patches released by VMware to address known vulnerabilities.