CVE-2021-35361 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

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

Understanding CVE-2021-35361

This CVE identifies a security vulnerability in dotCMS 21.05.1 that can be exploited by attackers to execute malicious commands or scripts.

What is CVE-2021-35361?

The CVE-2021-35361 is a reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability that specifically resides in dotCMS 21.05.1. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to insert and execute arbitrary commands or HTML through a specially crafted payload.

The Impact of CVE-2021-35361

This XSS vulnerability poses a significant risk as it enables attackers to carry out various malicious activities, including executing unauthorized commands and scripts on the target system, potentially leading to data theft, unauthorized access, and other security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-35361

In this section, we will delve into the specific technical details of the CVE-2021-35361 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in dotAdmin/#/c/links endpoint of dotCMS 21.05.1, allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious commands or HTML by exploiting the XSS weakness.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system is dotCMS version 21.05.1. Users of this version are at risk of exploitation if appropriate security measures are not implemented.

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending a specially crafted payload to the dotAdmin/#/c/links endpoint, attackers can trick the system into executing the payload, thereby gaining unauthorized access or executing arbitrary commands.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your systems from the CVE-2021-35361 vulnerability, immediate actions and long-term security practices are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the latest security patches provided by dotCMS to fix the XSS vulnerability in version 21.05.1.
Educate users on identifying and avoiding suspicious links or payloads that could trigger XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security assessments and code reviews to identify and remediate potential security vulnerabilities.
Stay updated with security advisories from dotCMS and apply patches promptly to prevent exploitation.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor and apply security updates released by dotCMS to ensure the latest fixes for vulnerabilities, including those related to XSS attacks.