CVE-2021-4143 : Security Advisory and Response

Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in bigbluebutton/bigbluebutton prior to version 2.4.0 can allow attackers to execute malicious scripts in a user's web browser, leading to data theft and manipulation.

Understanding CVE-2021-4143

This CVE identifies a specific vulnerability in the bigbluebutton/bigbluebutton repository, impacting versions below 2.4.0. The severity of this issue is rated as high.

What is CVE-2021-4143?

CVE-2021-4143 refers to a Cross-site Scripting (XSS) - Generic vulnerability observed in the bigbluebutton/bigbluebutton repository before version 2.4.0. This flaw can potentially compromise user data by allowing malicious script execution.

The Impact of CVE-2021-4143

The impact of this vulnerability is significant, with a CVSS base severity score of 8.1 (High). Attackers can exploit this flaw to access sensitive information, compromise data integrity, and perform unauthorized actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-4143

The following technical details shed light on the specifics of CVE-2021-4143:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves an XSS flaw in the bigbluebutton/bigbluebutton GitHub repository, making systems susceptible to script injection attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems running versions of bigbluebutton/bigbluebutton that are earlier than 2.4.0 are vulnerable to this XSS issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely via a network connection, with low attack complexity, no privileges required, and user interaction necessary for successful exploitation.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-4143 and enhance security measures, it is crucial to follow these mitigation practices:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade bigbluebutton/bigbluebutton to version 2.4.0 or later to eliminate the XSS vulnerability.
Implement input validation and output encoding to prevent script injection in web applications.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update security patches to protect against emerging threats.
Educate developers and users on best practices for secure coding and browsing habits.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply patches or updates released by the vendor to address any known vulnerabilities.