CVE-2021-35463 : Security Advisory and Response

A Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Frontend Taglib module in Liferay Portal 7.4.0 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML into the management toolbar search via the

keywords

parameter.

Understanding CVE-2021-35463

This section will delve into the details of the CVE-2021-35463 vulnerability in Liferay Portal.

What is CVE-2021-35463?

The CVE-2021-35463 is a Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Frontend Taglib module in Liferay Portal 7.4.0, enabling remote attackers to insert malicious web scripts or HTML into the management toolbar search using the

keywords

parameter.

The Impact of CVE-2021-35463

This vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers to execute malicious scripts, steal sensitive information, or perform unauthorized actions on the affected system, posing a significant security risk to users and organizations.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-35463

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2021-35463, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows attackers to perform Cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks by injecting malicious web scripts or HTML code through the

keywords

parameter in the management toolbar search of Liferay Portal 7.4.0.

Affected Systems and Versions

Liferay Portal 7.4.0 is confirmed to be affected by this vulnerability, exposing systems that have not been patched to potential exploitation by malicious actors.

Exploitation Mechanism

Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious input containing scripts or HTML and submitting them via the

keywords

parameter in the management toolbar search, leading to the execution of unauthorized code on the affected system.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section provides guidance on mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2021-35463, including immediate steps to take, long-term security practices, and the importance of patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators are advised to apply the latest security patches provided by Liferay to address the CVE-2021-35463 vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring and filtering input data can help mitigate the risk of XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular security assessments, and raising awareness about XSS vulnerabilities can enhance the overall security posture of web applications and portals like Liferay.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating Liferay Portal to the latest versions and promptly applying security patches released by the vendor is crucial to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-35463.