CVE-2020-7996 in ERP CRM
Summary
by MITRE
htdocs/user/passwordforgotten.php in Dolibarr 10.0.6 allows XSS via the Referer HTTP header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7996 resides within the Dolibarr 10.0.6 web application, specifically in the password forgotten functionality located at htdocs/user/passwordforgotten.php. This represents a cross-site scripting vulnerability that exploits the application's improper handling of the Referer HTTP header during the password recovery process. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of a victim's browser when they access the affected page, potentially compromising user sessions and sensitive data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the password forgotten module. When users navigate to the password recovery page, the application processes the Referer header without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms. This allows an attacker who controls the Referer header to inject malicious JavaScript code that gets executed when the page renders. The vulnerability is classified as a classic reflected cross-site scripting issue where the malicious payload is reflected back to the user through the application's response, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that rely on user navigation patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, and potential full account compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or inject phishing content that appears legitimate to users. The vulnerability affects all users of Dolibarr 10.0.6 who attempt to use the password forgotten functionality, making it particularly concerning for organizations that rely on this critical user management feature. According to CWE standards, this maps to CWE-79 which describes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 for credential access through web application attacks.
Organizations utilizing Dolibarr 10.0.6 should immediately implement mitigations including input validation for the Referer header, proper output encoding of all user-supplied data, and implementing Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to a patched version of Dolibarr where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and output encoding. Security headers such as X-Content-Type-Options and X-Frame-Options should also be implemented to provide additional protection layers. Additionally, organizations should monitor for any exploitation attempts and consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious Referer headers that attempt to exploit this vulnerability.