CVE-2021-37463 in Quorum
Summary
by MITRE • 07/26/2021
In NCH Quorum v2.03 and earlier, XSS exists via User Display Name (stored).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2021-37463 represents a stored cross-site scripting flaw within NCH Quorum version 2.03 and earlier systems. This security weakness resides in the application's handling of user display names, where malicious input can be persistently stored and subsequently executed within the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-79 - Cross-site Scripting, specifically classified as a stored XSS attack vector that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's database or storage mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when users input specially crafted payloads into their display name fields within the NCH Quorum application. These inputs are not properly sanitized or encoded before being stored in the system's database, creating a persistent threat that affects all users who view the compromised display names. When other users browse pages displaying these stored names, their browsers execute the malicious scripts contained within the input, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. The attack vector operates through the application's user interface where display names are rendered without adequate output encoding or validation mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the application environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially escalate privileges, access sensitive user data, or manipulate the application's functionality. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious code persists even after the initial injection, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over extended periods. This vulnerability directly impacts the application's integrity and confidentiality, as it allows unauthorized parties to execute arbitrary code in the context of authenticated users, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-37463 should prioritize immediate application updates to versions that address the stored XSS vulnerability. Organizations must implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious payloads from being stored or executed. The application should employ comprehensive sanitization routines that strip or encode potentially dangerous characters before storing user input. Additionally, implementing content security policies and using secure coding practices such as parameterized queries and proper HTML encoding can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their systems, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly validated and sanitized according to industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against both client-side and server-side attack vectors in web applications.