CVE-2021-36608 in webTareas
Summary
by MITRE • 06/17/2022
Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in webTareas 2.2p1 via the Name field to /projects/editproject.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2022
The CVE-2021-36608 vulnerability represents a critical cross site scripting flaw discovered in the webTareas 2.2p1 project management application. This vulnerability specifically targets the Name field parameter within the /projects/editproject.php endpoint, creating a persistent security risk that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the application's web interface. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the webTareas platform, particularly when processing user-supplied data for project name modifications. This flaw enables attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to unauthorized actions, session hijacking, or data exfiltration from authenticated sessions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious script code through the Name field of a project editing form. The webTareas application fails to properly sanitize or encode the input before rendering it back to the user interface, allowing the malicious payload to execute within the victim's browser context. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security where user input is not properly escaped or validated before being incorporated into dynamic web content. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects the project editing functionality, which is likely accessed by multiple users with varying privilege levels, potentially enabling attackers to compromise more sensitive system areas.
The operational implications of CVE-2021-36608 extend beyond simple script execution, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attack vectors such as credential theft, session manipulation, and data manipulation within the webTareas environment. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to create persistent backdoors, modify project data, or escalate privileges within the application's user management system. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as it could be exploited through malicious project name submissions that appear legitimate to users. Additionally, the vulnerability may enable lateral movement within the application's ecosystem, particularly if the webTareas platform integrates with other systems or services, as compromised user sessions could provide access to connected resources.
Organizations utilizing webTareas 2.2p1 should implement immediate mitigation strategies including input validation, output encoding, and proper sanitization of all user-supplied data. The most effective remediation involves implementing comprehensive parameter validation that rejects or sanitizes potentially malicious input patterns, combined with proper HTML encoding of all output data to prevent script execution. Security patches should be applied immediately from the vendor, and administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input patterns. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application's codebase, and user training should be implemented to raise awareness about the risks of submitting untrusted data to web applications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in OWASP Top 10 and the CWE database, which emphasize the need for consistent input validation and output encoding throughout application development lifecycle processes.