CVE-2021-3111 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A stored XSS vulnerability was discovered in the Express Entries Dashboard feature of Concrete5 version 8.5.4, allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts via a specific URI.

Understanding CVE-2021-3111

This CVE details a security issue in Concrete5 version 8.5.4 that exposes users to stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.

What is CVE-2021-3111?

CVE-2021-3111 highlights a vulnerability in the name field of a new data object within the Express Entries Dashboard of Concrete5 version 8.5.4, enabling threat actors to inject and execute harmful scripts.

The Impact of CVE-2021-3111

This vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the affected site's users, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-3111

The following are specific technical aspects of CVE-2021-3111:

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Concrete5 8.5.4 allows for stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks through the name field of a new data object in the Express Entries Dashboard.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Concrete5 version 8.5.4.

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating the name field of a data object at the index.php/dashboard/express/entries/view/ URI, attackers can store and execute malicious scripts on the target system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-3111 and enhance security, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to a patched version of Concrete5 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement input validation to sanitize user inputs and prevent script injection.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and update your software to the latest secure versions.
Educate users and administrators about safe computing practices to prevent successful exploitation of vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from Concrete5 and promptly apply patches to safeguard your systems against known vulnerabilities.