CVE-2021-29104 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A stored Cross Site Scripting (XXS) vulnerability in ArcGIS Server Manager version 10.8.1 and below may allow a remote unauthenticated attacker to pass and store malicious strings in the ArcGIS Server Manager application.

Understanding CVE-2021-29104

This CVE-2021-29104 vulnerability affects ArcGIS Server Manager versions 10.8.1 and below, allowing an attacker to execute stored Cross Site Scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2021-29104?

The CVE-2021-29104 vulnerability is a stored Cross Site Scripting (XXS) issue in ArcGIS Server Manager that enables remote unauthenticated attackers to inject and store malicious scripts within the application.

The Impact of CVE-2021-29104

With a CVSS base score of 6.1, this vulnerability has a medium severity impact. Attackers can exploit this flaw to execute malicious actions on the targeted ArcGIS Server Manager, compromising data integrity and confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-29104

This section dives deeper into the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-29104 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from the improper validation of user inputs, allowing attackers to insert malicious scripts that get stored in the ArcGIS Server Manager application.

Affected Systems and Versions

ArcGIS Server Manager versions 10.8.1 and below are susceptible to this XXS vulnerability. Specifically, all versions less than 10.9.0 on the x64 platform are impacted.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability over a network without requiring privileges. By sending crafted requests, they can trick the application into storing malicious scripts for later execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems against CVE-2021-29104 requires immediate action and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the latest security patches provided by Esri to address this vulnerability promptly.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities that could indicate an exploit attempt.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update ArcGIS Server Manager to the latest version to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Educate users about the risks of executing arbitrary scripts and maintaining secure coding practices.

Patching and Updates

Esri has released security updates to address the CVE-2021-29104 vulnerability. It is crucial to implement these patches as soon as possible to secure affected systems from potential attacks.