CVE-2021-36803 : Security Advisory and Response

A detailed look into the Akaunting Avatar Persistent XSS vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.

Understanding CVE-2021-36803

This section provides insights into the CVE-2021-36803 vulnerability affecting Akaunting software.

What is CVE-2021-36803?

CVE-2021-36803 is a persistent cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in Akaunting versions 2.1.12 and earlier. The flaw resides in the handling of user-supplied avatar images.

The Impact of CVE-2021-36803

The vulnerability poses a medium-level risk with a base CVSS score of 6.3, affecting confidentiality due to the XSS attack vector.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-36803

Delve deeper into the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-36803 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The XSS vulnerability in Akaunting allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application, potentially leading to unauthorized data access or account takeover.

Affected Systems and Versions

Akaunting versions equal to or less than 2.1.12 are impacted by this vulnerability, with version 2.1.13 addressing the issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by uploading crafted avatar images containing malicious scripts, leading to script execution in the context of the user's session.

Mitigation and Prevention

Explore the steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-36803.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Akaunting to version 2.1.13 or above to eliminate the vulnerability. It is crucial to avoid uploading suspicious files to prevent XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices, input validation mechanisms, and security testing to detect and prevent XSS vulnerabilities in web applications.

Patching and Updates

Regularly apply security patches and updates provided by Akaunting to ensure the ongoing protection of the software.