CVE-2020-1456 in SharePoint
Summary
by MITRE
A cross-site-scripting (XSS) vulnerability exists when Microsoft SharePoint Server does not properly sanitize a specially crafted web request to an affected SharePoint server, aka 'Microsoft Office SharePoint XSS Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-1450, CVE-2020-1451.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2020-1456 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Microsoft SharePoint Server that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web requests processed by the affected system. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities where web applications fail to properly validate or sanitize user input before rendering it in web pages. The flaw exists in the server-side request processing mechanism where SharePoint Server does not adequately sanitize specially crafted web requests, allowing malicious payloads to be executed in the context of other users' browsers.
Microsoft SharePoint Server serves as a comprehensive collaboration and content management platform that hosts various web applications and services, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit client-side vulnerabilities. The vulnerability manifests when the server processes web requests containing malicious script content without proper input validation, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the browsers of authenticated users. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where SharePoint servers often host sensitive corporate data and facilitate internal communications between employees. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious web requests that include script tags or other malicious payloads designed to exploit the lack of proper input sanitization in the SharePoint server's processing pipeline.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation within the SharePoint environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially access sensitive information, modify content, or even escalate privileges to gain administrative access to the SharePoint server. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of SharePoint's web request handling, potentially compromising the integrity of the entire collaboration platform. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of scripts within web browsers of authenticated users.
Organizations utilizing Microsoft SharePoint Server should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant security patches provided by Microsoft, implementing proper input validation mechanisms, and configuring web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious script content. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization in web applications, as highlighted by security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and similar industry standards. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their SharePoint environments to identify potential injection points and ensure proper security configurations are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited. The impact of this vulnerability underscores the necessity for continuous security monitoring and proactive vulnerability management programs within enterprise environments that rely on collaborative platforms like SharePoint.