CVE-2021-40813 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2021-40813 article provides insights into a cross-site scripting vulnerability in Element-IT HTTP Commander 3.1.9.

Understanding CVE-2021-40813

CVE-2021-40813 highlights a cross-site scripting vulnerability in Element-IT HTTP Commander 3.1.9.

What is CVE-2021-40813?

A cross-site scripting (XSS) flaw in the 'Zip content' feature of Element-IT HTTP Commander 3.1.9 allows remote authenticated users to insert malicious web scripts or HTML via filenames.

The Impact of CVE-2021-40813

The vulnerability enables authenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary script code, potentially leading to unauthorized actions on the compromised system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-40813

This section delves into the technical specifics of CVE-2021-40813.

Vulnerability Description

The XSS vulnerability allows a malicious actor to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML using filenames within the 'Zip content' feature.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Element-IT HTTP Commander 3.1.9
Vendor: Element-IT
Affected Version: 3.1.9

Exploitation Mechanism

The issue occurs due to improper validation of user-supplied input, enabling attackers to embed malicious scripts within filenames, which are executed when processed.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we discuss steps to mitigate and prevent CVE-2021-40813.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Element-IT HTTP Commander to a patched version that addresses the XSS vulnerability.
Educate users on safe file naming conventions to minimize the risk of executing malicious scripts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and fix vulnerabilities promptly.
Implement content security policies (CSP) to restrict the execution of untrusted scripts.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates from Element-IT and apply patches promptly to ensure system security.