CVE-2020-9581 in Magento
Summary
by MITRE
Magento versions 2.3.4 and earlier, 2.2.11 and earlier (see note), 1.14.4.4 and earlier, and 1.9.4.4 and earlier have a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to sensitive information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2020
The stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-9581 affects multiple versions of the Magento e-commerce platform including 2.3.4 and earlier, 2.2.11 and earlier, 1.14.4.4 and earlier, and 1.9.4.4 and earlier releases. This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications that are then stored and executed when other users access the affected pages. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the Magento platform's core components, particularly in areas where user-generated content is processed and displayed. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that malicious scripts are permanently stored on the server and executed whenever affected pages are loaded, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle user interactions and content management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of improper sanitization of user input within Magento's content management system and product review features. When users submit data through forms or review sections, the application fails to adequately sanitize special characters and script tags, allowing attackers to inject malicious javascript code. This code gets stored in the database and executed in the context of other users' browsers when they view the affected content. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious code persists and can affect multiple users over time, unlike reflected XSS attacks that require specific user interaction with crafted links.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-9581 extends beyond simple script execution and can result in significant security breaches including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal administrator credentials, manipulate user sessions, and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive customer data. The vulnerability particularly affects online stores that rely heavily on user-generated content such as product reviews, customer feedback, and community features. Organizations running affected Magento versions face increased risk of data breaches, reputational damage, and potential compliance violations under regulations such as gdpr and pci dss. The impact is amplified when considering that many e-commerce platforms store sensitive customer information including personal details, payment information, and purchase histories that could be accessed through this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-9581 require immediate implementation of security patches provided by Magento, as well as comprehensive input validation and output encoding improvements. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of Magento as soon as possible, with version 2.3.5, 2.2.12, 1.14.4.5, and 1.9.4.5 containing the necessary fixes. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all affected systems and implement proper input sanitization mechanisms. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering tactics including the use of malicious links and content to compromise systems. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security monitoring and alerting systems to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all user-generated content is properly sanitized before storage and display.