CVE-2021-38583 : Security Advisory and Response

OpenBaraza HCM 3.1.6 is vulnerable to reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) due to improper neutralization of user-controllable input on multiple pages. This can lead to potential security risks on affected systems.

Understanding CVE-2021-38583

This CVE focuses on the XSS vulnerability present in OpenBaraza HCM 3.1.6, allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts on specific pages of the application.

What is CVE-2021-38583?

CVE-2021-38583 highlights the issue of reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) in OpenBaraza HCM 3.1.6, where user-controlled input is not properly sanitized, posing a risk of running arbitrary code in users' browsers.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38583

The impact of this CVE includes the potential for cyber attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of legitimate users, leading to sensitive data theft, session hijacking, and other security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38583

The technical details of this CVE include specific information regarding the vulnerability, affected systems, and exploitation methods.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the lack of proper input sanitization in OpenBaraza HCM 3.1.6, enabling attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts on pages like hr/subscription.jsp, hr/application.jsp, and hr/index.jsp.

Affected Systems and Versions

OpenBaraza HCM 3.1.6 is the affected version identified in this CVE. Users of this version are at risk of XSS attacks due to the security flaw present in the application.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging user-controllable input on specific pages of OpenBaraza HCM 3.1.6 (hr/subscription.jsp, hr/application.jsp, hr/index.jsp), threat actors can manipulate the input to execute malicious scripts, exploiting the XSS vulnerability.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from CVE-2021-38583, immediate steps should be taken along with the implementation of long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls, input validation mechanisms, and security headers to mitigate the risk of XSS attacks on OpenBaraza HCM 3.1.6.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security assessments, code reviews, and user awareness training are essential for maintaining a robust security posture and preventing XSS vulnerabilities in web applications.

Patching and Updates

Users of OpenBaraza HCM 3.1.6 are advised to apply relevant security patches and updates provided by the vendor to address the XSS vulnerability and enhance the overall security of the application.