CVE-2021-25838 in MintHCM
Summary
by MITRE • 04/26/2021
The Import function in MintHCM RELEASE 3.0.8 allows an attacker to execute a cross-site scripting (XSS) payload in file-upload.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-25838 resides within the MintHCM RELEASE 3.0.8 application's import functionality, specifically exposing a cross-site scripting flaw that enables remote code execution through file upload operations. This weakness represents a critical security gap in the application's input validation mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into the system when uploading files through the import feature. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data during the file upload process, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior and potentially compromise user sessions or execute unauthorized commands.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize file names or content during the import operation, which directly aligns with CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation. When users attempt to upload files through the import function, the system does not adequately filter or escape special characters that could be interpreted as executable script code. This oversight creates a persistent cross-site scripting vulnerability that can be exploited by attackers who craft malicious file names or content that contains embedded javascript or other malicious payloads designed to execute within the context of other users' browsers.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-25838 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can facilitate session hijacking, data theft, and unauthorized access to sensitive information within the MintHCM environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal cookies, modify user permissions, or redirect users to malicious websites that further compromise the security posture of the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the file upload level, meaning that even if users are authenticated, their sessions remain at risk when interacting with compromised files. This weakness can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it enables the execution of malicious javascript code within the browser context.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-25838 should include immediate implementation of comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures within the import function, including strict file name filtering and content verification processes. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script patterns in file upload requests, while also implementing proper output encoding to prevent script execution in user-facing interfaces. The application should enforce strict file type validation and reject any uploads that contain potentially dangerous characters or patterns. Additionally, security patches should be applied immediately to update MintHCM to a version that addresses this vulnerability, as the flaw represents a fundamental security weakness that can be exploited without requiring elevated privileges or complex attack vectors. Regular security testing and code reviews should be implemented to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components and ensure ongoing protection against cross-site scripting attacks.