CVE-2021-38822 in IceHrm
Summary
by MITRE • 10/04/2021
A Stored Cross Site Scripting vulnerability via Malicious File Upload exists in multiple pages of IceHrm 30.0.0.OS that allows for arbitrary execution of JavaScript commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-38822 represents a critical stored cross site scripting flaw within IceHrm version 30.0.0.OS that fundamentally compromises the application's security posture. This vulnerability resides in multiple pages of the human resources management system, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by attackers to inject malicious javascript code into the application's database. The flaw specifically manifests when users upload files through designated interfaces, allowing attackers to embed malicious payloads that execute whenever other users access the affected pages. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious code persists in the system long after the initial upload, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over extended periods. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of user data within the IceHrm application, potentially exposing sensitive employee information and system access credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the file upload functionality of IceHrm. When users upload files through the application's interface, the system fails to properly validate file types, content, or embedded metadata that could contain malicious javascript payloads. This lack of proper validation creates a pathway for attackers to upload files containing malicious scripts that are then stored in the application's database. The vulnerability is further exacerbated by insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data when it is subsequently rendered on web pages, allowing the stored javascript code to execute in the context of other users' browsers. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-79: Cross-site Scripting vulnerability where the malicious input is stored and then re-executed, making it a persistent threat. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1566.001: Phishing with Spoofed Credentials, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access through compromised user sessions.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-38822 extends beyond simple script execution, creating a comprehensive threat landscape that can compromise entire user sessions and potentially lead to complete system infiltration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, perform actions on behalf of authenticated users, or even establish persistent backdoors within the application. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the attack surface remains active even after the initial compromise, allowing attackers to maintain access and continue executing malicious commands without requiring repeated exploitation attempts. This vulnerability can particularly impact organizations using IceHrm for sensitive employee management tasks, where the exposure of personal data, salary information, or performance records could result in significant regulatory and financial consequences. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges within the application, potentially gaining administrative access and controlling the entire system. Organizations relying on IceHrm for their human resources management face substantial risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal ramifications when this vulnerability is exploited.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-38822 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening of the IceHrm application. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided security patches or upgrading to a patched version of IceHrm that resolves the stored XSS vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious code injection, particularly in file upload functionalities. Implementing strict file type validation, content scanning, and metadata verification can significantly reduce the attack surface. Security measures should include enforcing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, implementing proper sanitization of all user-supplied content, and establishing monitoring systems to detect anomalous file upload activities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation to limit access to the IceHrm application, conducting regular security audits, and establishing incident response procedures specifically designed to address XSS vulnerabilities. According to industry best practices and ATT&CK framework recommendations, organizations should also implement user education programs to prevent social engineering attacks that could exploit this vulnerability, while maintaining regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other applications within their infrastructure.