CVE-2021-33332 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability has been identified in the Portlet Configuration module in Liferay Portal versions 7.1.0 through 7.3.2, as well as in Liferay DXP 7.1 before fix pack 19 and 7.2 before fix pack 7. This vulnerability enables remote attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML via a specific parameter.

Understanding CVE-2021-33332

This section will provide insight into the nature of the CVE-2021-33332 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-33332?

CVE-2021-33332 is a Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the Portlet Configuration module of Liferay Portal and Liferay DXP versions mentioned above. It allows attackers to insert malicious scripts or HTML code through a particular parameter, posing a risk to system security.

The Impact of CVE-2021-33332

The impact of this vulnerability includes the potential for remote attackers to execute arbitrary scripts on affected systems. This unauthorized execution could lead to various security breaches and compromises.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-33332

In this section, we will delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2021-33332.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in the Portlet Configuration module, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts or HTML through a specific parameter, which can then be executed on the target system.

Affected Systems and Versions

Liferay Portal versions 7.1.0 through 7.3.2, including Liferay DXP 7.1 before fix pack 19 and 7.2 before fix pack 7, are impacted by CVE-2021-33332.

Exploitation Mechanism

Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the _com_liferay_portlet_configuration_css_web_portlet_PortletConfigurationCSSPortlet_portletResource parameter to inject and execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section will outline the measures that can be taken to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-33332.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to apply security patches provided by Liferay for the affected versions. Additionally, monitoring web traffic for suspicious activities can help in detecting potential exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices and regularly updating the software can enhance the overall security posture of the system and help prevent such vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Liferay for the affected versions. Timely application of these updates is crucial in addressing known security issues and strengthening the system's defenses.