CVE-2021-44911 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

XE before 1.11.6 is vulnerable to Unrestricted file upload via modules/menu/menu.admin.controller.php, allowing any file uploading to the files directory. This exposes systems to stored XSS vulnerabilities.

Understanding CVE-2021-44911

What is CVE-2021-44911?

CVE-2021-44911 details a vulnerability in XE before version 1.11.6 that enables unrestricted file uploads, leading to potential security risks such as stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-44911

The vulnerability allows malicious actors to upload files to the files directory, circumventing file suffix restrictions set by .htaccess. This opens up systems to stored XSS vulnerabilities, increasing the risk of exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-44911

Vulnerability Description

XE before 1.11.6 suffers from unrestricted file upload via modules/menu/menu.admin.controller.php. The lack of file suffix restrictions allows any file to be uploaded to the files directory, potentially leading to stored XSS vulnerabilities.

Affected Systems and Versions

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Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability occurs when uploading the Mouse over button and When selected button, as there is no restriction on the file suffix. This enables attackers to upload any file type, including HTML files, bypassing .htaccess PHP-type restrictions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update XE to version 1.11.6 or the latest release to patch the vulnerability.
Implement file upload restrictions based on file types to prevent unauthorized uploads.
Monitor the files directory for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and review security configurations and file upload mechanisms.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by XE promptly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.