CVE-2021-39166 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Pimcore is an open-source data & experience management platform. An improper neutralization of text-values in the object version preview allows for XSS attacks by authenticated users.

Understanding CVE-2021-39166

This CVE ID refers to a vulnerability in Pimcore prior to version 10.1.2 that exposes users to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

What is CVE-2021-39166?

Pimcore versions before 10.1.2 did not properly escape text-values in the version preview, permitting authenticated users to launch XSS attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-39166

The vulnerability has a high severity base score of 8, with high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. It requires low privileges but user interaction is necessary.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-39166

This section covers detailed technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Before Pimcore version 10.1.2, text-values in the version preview were not correctly escaped, enabling XSS by authenticated users.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Pimcore
Vendor: Pimcore
Versions Affected: < 10.1.2

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability arises from improper handling of text-values in the version preview, allowing authenticated users to perform XSS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems against CVE-2021-39166 using the following measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Pimcore to version 10.1.2 or newer to patch the vulnerability.
Educate users on safe browsing practices to mitigate the risk of XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to ensure known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and remediate potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of patches and updates provided by Pimcore to safeguard against security threats.