CVE-2021-3012 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Document Link of documents in ESRI Enterprise before 10.9 allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary JavaScript code via a malicious HTML attribute such as onerror (in the URL field of the Parameters tab).

Understanding CVE-2021-3012

This section will provide insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-3012.

What is CVE-2021-3012?

CVE-2021-3012 is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the Document Link feature of ESRI Enterprise versions prior to 10.9. This vulnerability enables remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary JavaScript code by inserting malicious HTML attributes.

The Impact of CVE-2021-3012

The impact of this vulnerability lies in the potential for attackers to inject and execute unauthorized JavaScript code within the application, leading to various malicious activities such as data theft, unauthorized operations, and further exploitation of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-3012

In this section, we will delve into specific technical details and aspects of CVE-2021-3012.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows remote authenticated users to exploit the Document Link feature by inserting malicious HTML attributes like onerror in the URL field of the Parameters tab, resulting in the injection of arbitrary JavaScript code.

Affected Systems and Versions

ESRI Enterprise versions before 10.9 are affected by this vulnerability, putting all instances running these versions at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Remote authenticated users can leverage the vulnerable Document Link functionality to embed malicious HTML attributes, enabling them to execute unauthorized JavaScript code within the application.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section will outline the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-3012.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial to update ESRI Enterprise installations to version 10.9 or newer to address and mitigate the XSS vulnerability present in the Document Link feature. Additionally, restricting access to the affected feature can help reduce the likelihood of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular security audits, and educating users on safe browsing habits can contribute to a more secure environment, minimizing the risk of XSS vulnerabilities in the long term.

Patching and Updates

Frequently monitor security advisories from ESRI and apply patches promptly to ensure the latest security measures are in place, helping to protect the system from known vulnerabilities.