CVE-2020-15869 in Nexus Repository Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Sonatype Nexus Repository Manager OSS/Pro versions before 3.25.1 allow XSS (issue 1 of 2).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-15869 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within Sonatype Nexus Repository Manager OSS and Pro editions prior to version 3.25.1. This security weakness resides in the web interface component of the repository management system, which serves as a critical artifact storage and distribution platform for software development organizations. The vulnerability allows malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into the web application through user-controllable input fields, potentially compromising the security of the entire repository infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the Nexus Repository Manager's user interface components. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that are then executed in the context of other users' browsers when they view affected pages. The vulnerability specifically affects the repository manager's web application layer, where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages, creating an environment conducive to script injection attacks. This flaw falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a critical security concern in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration from the repository environment. When exploited, the XSS vulnerability allows unauthorized individuals to access sensitive repository information, manipulate user sessions, and potentially gain elevated privileges within the Nexus environment. Organizations relying on Nexus Repository Manager for managing software artifacts face significant risks including potential exposure of proprietary code, build artifacts, and configuration data. The vulnerability particularly threatens environments where the repository manager handles sensitive development artifacts and where users maintain elevated access privileges.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate remediation through updating to Nexus Repository Manager version 3.25.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Additional mitigations include implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious payloads, restricting user privileges to minimize potential impact, and conducting thorough security assessments of repository configurations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten security guidelines. Organizations should also consider implementing security monitoring solutions to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the critical need for regular security updates and proper security testing of enterprise software platforms. The incident underscores the necessity of maintaining current security postures and implementing comprehensive vulnerability management processes to protect against persistent threats targeting repository management systems.