CVE-2021-44667:Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Nacos 2.0.3 via pageSize and pageNo parameters in the auth/users endpoint.

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Description Preview

A Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability has been identified in Nacos version 2.0.3. The vulnerability exists in the auth/users endpoint, where the pageSize and pageNo parameters are not properly sanitized before being reflected back to users. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes in victims' browsers when they access the affected pages, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or other client-side attacks.

Overview

Nacos is a popular open-source platform designed for dynamic service discovery, configuration management, and service management. The vulnerability (CVE-2021-44667) affects version 2.0.3 and possibly earlier versions. The issue is classified as CWE-79 (Cross-Site Scripting), which occurs when user-controllable input is not properly validated or encoded before being included in output HTML. In this specific case, the pageSize and pageNo parameters in the auth/users endpoint can be manipulated to inject malicious scripts that execute in users' browsers. This vulnerability could allow attackers to steal session cookies, credentials, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users.

Remediation

To address this vulnerability, organizations should:

  1. Upgrade to a patched version of Nacos if available
  2. If upgrading is not immediately possible, implement input validation for the pageSize and pageNo parameters
  3. Consider implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) rule to filter potentially malicious requests targeting the auth/users endpoint
  4. Apply the principle of least privilege to Nacos administrative interfaces, restricting access to authorized personnel only
  5. Monitor for suspicious activity in logs that might indicate exploitation attempts

References

  1. GitHub Issue: https://github.com/alibaba/nacos/issues/7359 - Contains details about the vulnerability discovery and discussion
  2. CWE-79: https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/79.html - Information about Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities
  3. OWASP XSS Prevention Cheat Sheet: https://cheatsheetseries.owasp.org/cheatsheets/Cross_Site_Scripting_Prevention_Cheat_Sheet.html - Guidance on preventing XSS vulnerabilities

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  2. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  3. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  4. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  5. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  6. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  7. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  8. Construction
    Construction
  9. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  10. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  11. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  12. Information
    Information
  13. Mining
    Mining
  14. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  15. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  16. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  17. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  18. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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