CVE-2021-44726 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

KNIME Server before 4.13.4 allows XSS via the old WebPortal login page.

Understanding CVE-2021-44726

This CVE refers to a Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in KNIME Server.

What is CVE-2021-44726?

CVE-2021-44726 is a security vulnerability found in KNIME Server versions prior to 4.13.4 that enables an attacker to execute malicious scripts on the web interface through the old WebPortal login page.

The Impact of CVE-2021-44726

The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, potential manipulation of content, and compromise of user sessions on KNIME Server.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-44726

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows for Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks through the outdated WebPortal login page, potentially leading to script execution in the context of the user's browser.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: n/a
Product: n/a
Versions Affected: All versions prior to 4.13.4

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploitation involves injecting malicious scripts into input fields on the login page, which, when executed, can manipulate the web interface and perform unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2021-44726 by following these mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update KNIME Server to version 4.13.4 or above to eliminate the XSS vulnerability.
Educate users on recognizing and avoiding phishing attempts to prevent unauthorized script execution.
Monitor server logs for anomalous activities that may indicate a successful XSS attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement content security policies (CSPs) to mitigate XSS risks by restricting the sources of executable scripts on web interfaces.
Perform regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor for security updates and patches released by KNIME to ensure that your server is protected against known vulnerabilities.