CVE-2021-36738 in Pluto
Summary
by MITRE • 01/06/2022
The input fields in the JSP version of the Apache Pluto Applicant MVCBean CDI portlet are vulnerable to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. Users should migrate to version 3.1.1 of the applicant-mvcbean-cdi-jsp-portlet.war artifact
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-36738 affects the JSP version of Apache Pluto's Applicant MVCBean CDI portlet, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into user sessions. This vulnerability resides within the input field processing mechanisms of the portlet application, where insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data allows attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of other users' browsers. The affected component operates within the Apache Pluto portal framework, which serves as a foundation for enterprise portal applications and web content management systems.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from improper validation and encoding of input parameters within the MVCBean CDI portlet's JSP components. When users interact with form fields or input areas within the portlet, the application fails to adequately sanitize or encode the submitted data before rendering it back to the user interface. This processing gap creates an opportunity for attackers to embed malicious script payloads that execute in the victim's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions within the portal environment. The vulnerability specifically impacts the JSP-based artifact of the applicant-mvcbean-cdi-portlet, distinguishing it from other potential vulnerabilities within the broader Pluto framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors within enterprise portal environments where the portlet operates. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users within the portal application. The affected environment typically includes organizations using Apache Pluto as their portal solution, particularly those implementing the MVCBean CDI portlet for user application interfaces. This vulnerability represents a significant risk to enterprise security as portal applications often serve as central access points for business-critical systems and sensitive data repositories.
Organizations should immediately implement the recommended migration to version 3.1.1 of the applicant-mvcbean-cdi-jsp-portlet.war artifact, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. The remediation process involves replacing the vulnerable portlet artifact with the patched version and ensuring proper testing of all affected functionalities. Security teams should also consider implementing additional protective measures such as content security policies, input validation at multiple layers, and regular security scanning of portal applications. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any other potentially vulnerable components within their portal infrastructure and ensure all portal applications maintain current security patches.