CVE-2020-21987 in HomeAutomation
Summary
by MITRE • 04/28/2021
HomeAutomation 3.3.2 is affected by persistent Cross Site Scripting (XSS). XSS vulnerabilities occur when input passed via several parameters to several scripts is not properly sanitized before being returned to the user. This can be exploited to execute arbitrary HTML and script code in a user's browser session.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-21987 affects HomeAutomation version 3.3.2 and represents a critical persistent cross site scripting flaw that exposes users to significant security risks. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross Site Scripting, which is classified as a fundamental web application security weakness where malicious scripts are injected into trusted websites. The issue manifests when input data submitted through various parameters to multiple scripts within the application fails to undergo proper sanitization processes before being rendered back to user sessions. This failure creates an exploitable condition where attackers can manipulate the application's behavior by injecting malicious payloads that execute within the victim's browser context.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary HTML and script code within user browser sessions, effectively allowing for complete compromise of user interactions with the affected system. The persistent nature of this XSS vulnerability means that malicious payloads can be stored and executed repeatedly, rather than requiring each user to be individually targeted with fresh attacks. This characteristic significantly amplifies the attack surface and potential damage. The vulnerability affects multiple scripts within the HomeAutomation application, suggesting a systemic weakness in input validation and output sanitization practices throughout the codebase. Attackers can leverage this flaw to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, redirect victims to malicious sites, or even install malware through browser-based attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-21987 extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking, as it fundamentally undermines the trust relationship between users and the HomeAutomation application. When users interact with the system expecting secure communication and data handling, they become unwitting participants in attacks that can compromise their entire browser environment. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent footholds within user environments, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within networked systems. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in home automation contexts where users may have access to sensitive personal information, security systems, and control mechanisms for their living spaces. The attack vector can be initiated through various user interaction points within the application, making detection and prevention more challenging for system administrators.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-21987 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms across all user-controllable parameters within the HomeAutomation application. The recommended approach involves applying proper sanitization techniques to all data inputs before processing, implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, and utilizing context-specific output encoding for all dynamic content. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, conducting regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components, and ensuring that all application updates are properly tested for security compliance. The remediation process requires comprehensive code review to address the root cause of improper input handling, with particular attention to the CWE-79 prevention techniques that emphasize proper escaping of user-supplied data in different contexts. Organizations should also implement user education programs to help users recognize potential phishing attempts that may exploit this vulnerability, while maintaining detailed logging and monitoring capabilities to detect suspicious activities that could indicate exploitation attempts.