CVE-2021-29051 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Asset module's Asset Publisher app in Liferay Portal versions 7.2.1 through 7.3.5, Liferay DXP 7.1 before fix pack 21, 7.2 before fix pack 10, and 7.3 before fix pack 1 could allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML.

Understanding CVE-2021-29051

This CVE highlights a security loophole in Liferay Portal and Liferay DXP versions that could enable malicious actors to execute XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2021-29051?

The identified vulnerability in the Asset Publisher app of Liferay Portal and Liferay DXP versions enables cyber attackers to embed harmful web scripts or HTML code using a specific parameter.

The Impact of CVE-2021-29051

The exploitation of this XSS vulnerability could lead to the execution of unauthorized scripts, potentially compromising user data and system integrity, posing a significant security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-29051

This section details the specific technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The XSS flaw allows remote threat actors to insert and execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML by manipulating the _com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_XXXXXXXXXXXX_assetEntryId parameter.

Affected Systems and Versions

Liferay Portal versions 7.2.1 through 7.3.5, Liferay DXP 7.1 before fix pack 21, 7.2 before fix pack 10, and 7.3 before fix pack 1 are vulnerable to this security issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

Cybercriminals can exploit this vulnerability remotely by modifying the assetEntryId parameter, allowing them to inject malicious scripts into the targeted application.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent the risks associated with CVE-2021-29051, immediate actions and long-term security measures are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators are advised to apply security patches provided by Liferay promptly. Additionally, input validation and output encoding practices should be enforced to mitigate XSS threats.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security audits, continuous monitoring, and security training for developers and users can enhance the overall security posture and help prevent XSS vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the affected Liferay Portal and Liferay DXP installations are updated to the latest versions with the respective fix packs to eliminate the XSS vulnerability and enhance system security measures.