CVE-2020-28409 in Dundas
Summary
by MITRE • 11/11/2020
The server in Dundas BI through 8.0.0.1001 allows XSS via addition of a Component (e.g., a button) when events such as click, hover, etc. occur.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-28409 affects Dundas BI version 8.0.0.1001 and earlier, representing a cross-site scripting vulnerability that exploits the application's component handling mechanisms. This security flaw exists within the server-side processing of user-defined components, specifically when events such as click or hover actions are configured. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before it is rendered in the web interface. Attackers can leverage this weakness by creating malicious components with embedded scripts that execute when users interact with these elements, potentially compromising user sessions and data confidentiality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of event-driven component interactions within the Dundas BI platform. When users add components such as buttons to dashboards or reports, the system processes associated event handlers without adequate sanitization of the input parameters. This creates an environment where malicious payloads can be injected through component properties or event configurations, particularly when these elements are triggered by user interactions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as Cross-Site Scripting, which specifically addresses the failure to properly encode output data that is later rendered in web browsers. The attack surface expands significantly when considering that dashboard components can be shared and interacted with by multiple users, amplifying the potential impact of successful exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-28409 extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, data theft, and privilege escalation within the Dundas BI environment. When users interact with maliciously crafted components, their browser sessions could be compromised through techniques such as cookie theft or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple event types including click, hover, and other interactive triggers means that attackers have numerous opportunities to establish malicious payloads within the application. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering tactics, as attackers can manipulate users into interacting with malicious components. The vulnerability affects both administrators and regular users, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive business intelligence data and dashboard configurations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-28409 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the Dundas BI platform. Organizations should immediately upgrade to version 8.0.0.1002 or later, which includes patches addressing the XSS vulnerability in component handling. Additionally, administrators should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution within the application environment, and consider disabling user component creation where possible. The implementation of proper sanitization routines for all user-supplied data entering the system, particularly in component configuration parameters, will significantly reduce the attack surface. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual component creation patterns or event configurations that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web application components and ensure that the patched version maintains its integrity against future XSS threats.