CVE-2018-20858 in Recommender
Summary
by MITRE
Recommender before 2018-07-18 allows XSS.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20858 affects the Recommender software version prior to 2018-07-18 and represents a cross-site scripting vulnerability that enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of a victim's browser session. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of injection flaws and specifically manifests as a reflected cross-site scripting attack vector. The flaw exists in the application's handling of user input where data is not properly sanitized or encoded before being rendered back to users, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious scripts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the Recommender application processes user-supplied data without adequate validation or output encoding mechanisms. When users interact with the application and provide input that gets reflected back in the application's response, the malicious payload can be executed in the browser of other users who view the affected content. This typically happens through parameters in URLs, form fields, or API inputs that are not properly escaped or filtered. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform actions such as stealing session cookies, defacing web pages, redirecting users to malicious sites, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users.
From an operational perspective, this XSS vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations using the Recommender software. Attackers can exploit this flaw to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive information, or manipulate the application's functionality. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to potentially allowing full compromise of user accounts and access to protected resources. The vulnerability's exploitable nature means that even a single unpatched system can serve as an entry point for broader network infiltration. Organizations may face reputational damage, regulatory compliance issues, and potential financial losses due to unauthorized access to user data and system resources.
Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. The primary mitigation involves updating to the patched version of Recommender released on or after 2018-07-18, which would include proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies, using proper input sanitization libraries, and conducting regular security testing can help prevent similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and follows patterns commonly seen in the ATT&CK framework under the technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar injection vulnerabilities across their application portfolio.