Description Preview
A vulnerability has been discovered in dotCMS where the NormalizationFilter component fails to properly strip double slashes (//) from URLs. This flaw can potentially enable attackers to bypass XSS protections and access controls. The issue exists because double slashes were not included in the default invalid URL character list, allowing URLs like https://demo.dotcms.com//html/portlet/ext/files/edit_text_inc.jsp to be processed when they should have returned a 404 error.
Overview
This vulnerability (CVE-2023-3042) is classified as CWE-79 (Cross-site Scripting). The flaw in dotCMS's NormalizationFilter allows attackers to craft URLs with double slashes that bypass security controls. The oversight in the default invalid URL character list can be observed in the NormalizationFilter.java file. When exploited, this vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or other client-side attacks.
Remediation
To address this vulnerability, users should:
- Upgrade to a fixed version of dotCMS:
- Version 23.06 or newer
- LTS 22.03.7 or newer
- LTS 23.01.4 or newer
For users who cannot immediately upgrade, the following mitigations are available:
- Block URLs containing double slashes at the firewall level
- Configure dotCMS environmental variables:
- Set DOT_URI_NORMALIZATION_FORBIDDEN_STRINGS to include // in the list of invalid strings
- Use DOT_URI_NORMALIZATION_FORBIDDEN_REGEX for more granular control, such as blocking URLs matching the pattern //html.*
References
- Vendor Advisory: https://www.dotcms.com/security/SI-68
- GitHub source code reference: https://github.com/dotCMS/core/blob/master/dotCMS/src/main/java/com/dotcms/filters/NormalizationFilter.java#L37
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis 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.
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.
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation
- ConstructionConstruction
- Educational ServicesEducational Services
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance
- InformationInformation
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises
- ManufacturingManufacturing
- MiningMining
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration)
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing
- Retail TradeRetail Trade
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing
- UtilitiesUtilities
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade
