CVE-2021-35360 : What You Need to Know

A reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in dotAdmin/#/c/containers of dotCMS 21.05.1 allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands or HTML via a crafted payload.

Understanding CVE-2021-35360

This CVE refers to a specific XSS vulnerability in dotCMS that enables attackers to run unauthorized commands or inject malicious HTML.

What is CVE-2021-35360?

The CVE-2021-35360 vulnerability involves a reflected cross-site scripting issue in dotCMS, which permits attackers to execute code or HTML by manipulating input data.

The Impact of CVE-2021-35360

The impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to perform various malicious actions, including running arbitrary commands and injecting harmful HTML code into the web application.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-35360

This section will cover the specific technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in dotAdmin/#/c/containers in dotCMS 21.05.1, enabling threat actors to exploit the XSS flaw to execute unauthorized commands or inject malicious HTML payloads.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system includes dotCMS 21.05.1. All prior versions may also be susceptible. Ensure the system is updated to the latest secure version.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability requires attackers to craft and deliver a malicious payload via dotAdmin/#/c/containers. When processed by the application, this payload allows the execution of arbitrary commands or injection of unauthorized HTML.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting your systems from CVE-2021-35360 is crucial to maintaining security. Here are some steps to mitigate the risk.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or restrict access to the vulnerable component, dotAdmin/#/c/containers, if possible.
Implement input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and updates from dotCMS to stay informed about patches and security best practices.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Apply the latest patches and updates provided by dotCMS to ensure that the XSS vulnerability is effectively mitigated and your system is secure.