CVE-2021-41182 is a medium-severity vulnerability identified in jQuery UI, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.13.0. This vulnerability allows the Datepicker widget to accept the value of the `altField` option from untrusted sources, which could lead to the execution of untrusted code. The implications of this vulnerability can be significant, as it may expose applications to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.5, indicating a medium level of severity. The attack vector is network-based, requiring low attack complexity and no privileges for exploitation. User interaction is required, making the risk slightly mitigated; however, the impact on integrity is high, with no impact on confidentiality or availability.
Organizations using affected versions of jQuery UI should prioritize patching to version 1.13.0 or higher, where the issue has been addressed. As this vulnerability was published on October 26, 2021, it is critical for defenders to act swiftly to mitigate risks.
The urgency for remediation is classified as medium. Organizations should evaluate their use of jQuery UI and implement the necessary updates or workarounds to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2021-41182 states, 'This vulnerability allows accepting the value of the `altField` option from untrusted sources, which may execute untrusted code.' This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) classification of CWE-79, which pertains to improper neutralization of input during web page generation (also known as cross-site scripting).
The CVSS score of this vulnerability, as assessed by both GitHub and NVD, ranges from 6.1 to 6.5, indicating a medium severity level. The details of the CVSS vector string include an attack vector of NETWORK, low attack complexity, no privileges required, and a requirement for user interaction.
This vulnerability affects the jQuery UI library prior to version 1.13.0. The issue was fixed in this version, and organizations are strongly encouraged to upgrade. The vulnerability was published on October 26, 2021, making it crucial to address as part of any security management program.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the way the jQuery UI Datepicker widget processes the `altField` option. By accepting values from untrusted sources, there is a potential for an attacker to inject malicious code. This injection can happen when the user interacts with the Datepicker, thus triggering the execution of the untrusted code.
The attack vector is network-based, requiring an attacker to have the ability to influence the input to the altField option. The attack complexity is low, as it does not require specialized knowledge beyond that of a typical user. Importantly, no privileges are required, and user interaction is necessary, as the attacker needs to trick the user into using the vulnerable Datepicker.
Regarding impacts, the confidentiality impact is none, indicating that sensitive information is not disclosed through this vulnerability. However, the integrity impact is high, meaning that an attacker could modify or manipulate the data displayed through the Datepicker.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential exploitation by attackers who can manipulate user input, leading to unauthorized actions being executed on the client-side. The potential for data corruption or loss of integrity within web applications leveraging the Datepicker widget poses a significant risk to operational stability.
Given the medium CVSS score, organizations should assess their overall risk profile and determine the blast radius of any affected applications. Understanding the importance of the Datepicker widget in their applications will help prioritize remediation efforts.
The urgency assessment indicates that organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. Although it is not classified as critical, the potential for exploitation necessitates prompt attention.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of jQuery UI are all versions prior to 1.13.0. Organizations using these versions should apply the necessary updates to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching to jQuery UI version 1.13.0 or later to eliminate this vulnerability. For those unable to upgrade immediately, it is recommended to implement a workaround by validating the `altField` option and ensuring it does not accept values from untrusted sources.
For further guidance on securing web applications, organizations can refer to best practices in web application security testing. Regular security assessments and continuous monitoring are essential components in maintaining a robust security posture.
Detection Guidance
To detect exploitation attempts, organizations should monitor logs for unexpected behaviors related to the Datepicker widget. Indicators may include unusual user interactions or script injections in inputs. Regular review of application logs and implementing Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) can also assist in identifying and mitigating potential attacks.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The significance of CVE-2021-41182 lies in its demonstration of how user input validation can be overlooked in web applications, leading to serious security vulnerabilities. Organizations should take this incident as a reminder to enforce strict input validation measures to prevent XSS vulnerabilities.
This vulnerability also highlights the necessity of maintaining up-to-date software versions, as many vulnerabilities are addressed in newer releases. For a comprehensive understanding of vulnerability management practices, organizations can consult the vulnerability management program, ensuring that all components are regularly assessed for potential risks.
Additionally, organizations should consider integrating penetration testing into their security strategy to proactively identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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