CVE-2021-38263 : Security Advisory and Response

A Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Server module's script console in Liferay Portal 7.3.2 and earlier, and Liferay DXP 7.0 before fix pack 101, 7.1 before fix pack 20, and 7.2 before fix pack 10 has been identified. This vulnerability can allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the output of a script.

Understanding CVE-2021-38263

This section dives into the details of CVE-2021-38263 and its implications.

What is CVE-2021-38263?

CVE-2021-38263 is a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability present in Liferay Portal versions 7.3.2 and earlier, as well as Liferay DXP versions 7.0, 7.1, and 7.2 before certain fix packs. It enables malicious actors to inject unauthorized web scripts or HTML code via the script console.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38263

With this vulnerability, attackers can execute arbitrary scripts in the context of a user's browser. This could lead to unauthorized access, data theft, or other malicious activities on affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38263

This section covers the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation in the Server module's script console, allowing attackers to insert and execute malicious scripts.

Affected Systems and Versions

Liferay Portal 7.3.2 and earlier, alongside Liferay DXP 7.0, 7.1, and 7.2 before specific fix packs, have been confirmed to be vulnerable to this XSS exploit.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the script console output to inject and execute harmful web scripts or HTML code on the affected Liferay Portal and Liferay DXP instances.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we discuss measures to address and prevent the CVE-2021-38263 exploit.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply the recommended security patches provided by Liferay to mitigate the vulnerability.
Organizations should consider implementing strict input validation mechanisms to prevent XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security assessments and code reviews are crucial for identifying and addressing vulnerabilities like XSS.
Educating developers and administrators about secure coding practices and the risks associated with XSS attacks is essential.

Patching and Updates

Liferay users should ensure that their systems are updated with the latest fix packs to protect against CVE-2021-38263 and other known vulnerabilities.