CVE-2021-44178 : Security Advisory and Response

Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) versions up to 6.5.10.0 are vulnerable to a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attack. This vulnerability can be exploited via the itemResourceType parameter, allowing malicious JavaScript to execute in the victim's browser.

Understanding CVE-2021-44178

AEM's Cloud Service offering and version 6.5.10.0 (and earlier) are susceptible to a Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability through a specific parameter.

What is CVE-2021-44178?

AEM versions up to 6.5.10.0 are affected by a reflected XSS vulnerability via the itemResourceType parameter.
Attackers can execute malicious JavaScript by tricking victims into visiting a crafted URL.

The Impact of CVE-2021-44178

CVSS Base Score: 5.4 (Medium)
Attack Vector: Network
Attack Complexity: Low
User Interaction: Required
Confidentiality Impact: Low
Integrity Impact: Low
Privileges Required: None
Scope: Unchanged
Vector String: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N

Technical Details of CVE-2021-44178

A closer look at the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows for a reflected XSS attack via the itemResourceType parameter in AEM.

Affected Systems and Versions

Experience Manager versions up to 6.5.10.0 are vulnerable.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating the itemResourceType parameter and convincing victims to visit a malicious URL.

Mitigation and Prevention

Best practices to mitigate the CVE-2021-44178 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to a patched version of Adobe Experience Manager that addresses the XSS vulnerability.
Educate users about the risks of clicking on unknown or suspicious URLs.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation to prevent script injections.
Regularly monitor and patch known vulnerabilities in web applications.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Adobe to fix the XSS vulnerability in Experience Manager.