CVE-2023-2021 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This is a detailed analysis of CVE-2023-2021, a Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability affecting the nilsteampassnet/teampass repository.

Understanding CVE-2023-2021

CVE-2023-2021 is a Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability that was discovered in the GitHub repository nilsteampassnet/teampass prior to version 3.0.3.

What is CVE-2023-2021?

CVE-2023-2021, or Cross-site Scripting (XSS), is a type of security vulnerability typically found in web applications. In this case, the vulnerability was stored in the GitHub repository nilsteampassnet/teampass before version 3.0.3. An attacker can inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially leading to unauthorized actions and data theft.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2021

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 5.8. The confidentiality impact is high, while the integrity and availability impacts are rated as low. This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute malicious scripts in a victim's browser, leading to potential data theft or unauthorized actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2021

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-2021 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, also known as 'Cross-site Scripting' (CWE-79). Attackers can exploit this flaw to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected vendor is nilsteampassnet and the product is nilsteampassnet/teampass. Versions prior to 3.0.3 are susceptible to this XSS vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need to inject malicious scripts into a vulnerable web page. This could be achieved through input fields or other entry points where user input is not properly sanitized.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-2021 is crucial to ensure the security of web applications and user data.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to version 3.0.3 of nilsteampassnet/teampass to patch the vulnerability.
Implement input validation and output encoding to prevent XSS attacks.
Educate users on safe browsing practices and the risks of clicking on untrusted links.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly scan code for vulnerabilities, especially related to input sanitization.
Conduct security trainings for developers to raise awareness about common vulnerabilities like XSS.
Stay informed about security best practices and apply them proactively to mitigate risks.

Patching and Updates

It is strongly advised to apply patches and updates provided by the vendor promptly to address security vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-2021. Regularly monitor for security advisories and take necessary actions to secure your systems and data.