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CVE-2021-4139: Critical Vulnerability in Pimcore

CVE-2021-4139 is a critical vulnerability in Pimcore, allowing for cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. Organizations using affected versions must prioritize remediation to mitigate potential risks.

CRITICALCVSS 9 · Published December 21, 2021

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CVE-2021-4139 is a critical vulnerability affecting Pimcore, classified under the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) system. This vulnerability allows for improper neutralization of input during web page generation, leading to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 9.0, indicating a critical severity level that necessitates immediate attention from security teams.

The risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive data, manipulation of web page content, and disruption of service availability. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious scripts in the context of a user's browser, potentially leading to data theft or account compromise. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.

Currently, there is no confirmed public exploit available for CVE-2021-4139, but the critical nature of the vulnerability and its potential exploitation vectors necessitate prompt remediation efforts. Organizations using affected versions of Pimcore must take proactive measures to protect their systems.

Given the critical severity of this vulnerability, organizations are advised to address it in their priority patch cycle to mitigate risks associated with potential exploitation.

Vulnerability Details

CVE-2021-4139 affects Pimcore and is characterized by improper neutralization of input during web page generation, leading to XSS vulnerabilities. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 score of 9.0, indicating critical severity. The affected versions are all versions prior to 10.2.7. The vulnerability was published on December 21, 2021, and is classified under CWE-79.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of CVE-2021-4139 stems from improper input validation within the Pimcore framework, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that can be executed in the context of users' sessions. The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, requiring low attack complexity and minimal privileges for exploitation. User interaction is necessary for the attack, as the script executes in the user's browser. The impacts include high confidentiality, integrity, and availability risks.

Risk & Impact Analysis

Organizations utilizing Pimcore are at significant risk due to the critical nature of this vulnerability. The potential for attackers to exploit the XSS vulnerability can lead to severe consequences, including data breaches, unauthorized account access, and service disruption. With a CVSS score of 9.0, the urgency for organizations to implement patches is crucial. Failure to address this vulnerability can result in a substantial blast radius, affecting not only the compromised system but also users and associated services.

Exploitation Status

Signal

Status

Known Exploit

No

Public PoC

No

Actively Exploited

No

Ransomware Use

No

Affected Versions

The affected versions of Pimcore are all versions prior to 10.2.7. Organizations should ensure they are running an updated version to mitigate this vulnerability.

Mitigation & Remediation

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-4139, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by Pimcore. The recommended version to upgrade to is 10.2.7 or later. If patching is not immediately possible, organizations should implement configuration hardening to limit user input and monitor for any unusual behavior in web applications. For further assistance in validating remediation effectiveness, organizations can consider engaging in penetration testing to identify any remaining weaknesses.

Detection Guidance

Organizations should monitor logs for unusual input patterns that may indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Behavior anomalies, such as unexpected user interactions or script execution on web pages, should be flagged as potential indicators of compromise. Additionally, network signatures associated with XSS attacks should be implemented to enhance detection capabilities.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

CVE-2021-4139 represents a significant risk to organizations using Pimcore, highlighting the need for robust input validation and security practices in web application development. As attackers increasingly leverage XSS vulnerabilities, it is crucial for security teams to stay informed about emerging threats and adapt their defenses accordingly. Organizations should learn from this incident and consider implementing comprehensive security measures, including regular security assessments and user training, to mitigate future risks.

For further reading on application security best practices, organizations can explore our blog on application security assessment and consider engaging with our penetration testing methodology to strengthen their defenses against similar vulnerabilities.

Organizations should remain vigilant and proactive in addressing vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-4139 to protect their assets and maintain the trust of their users.

Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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