CVE-2021-4284 in HTML Form Entry UI Framework Integration Module
Summary
by MITRE • 12/27/2022
A vulnerability classified as problematic has been found in OpenMRS HTML Form Entry UI Framework Integration Module up to 1.x. This affects an unknown part. The manipulation leads to cross site scripting. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. Upgrading to version 2.0.0 is able to address this issue. The name of the patch is 811990972ea07649ae33c4b56c61c3b520895f07. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The identifier VDB-216873 was assigned to this vulnerability.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-4284 represents a cross site scripting flaw within the OpenMRS HTML Form Entry UI Framework Integration Module, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.0.0. This security weakness resides in the module's handling of user input within the HTML form entry interface, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts into the application's response. The vulnerability's classification as problematic indicates its potential to compromise user sessions and data integrity within healthcare information systems that rely on OpenMRS for patient management.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability occurs when user-supplied data is not properly sanitized or encoded before being rendered in the HTML output context. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious input that contains script tags or other executable code within form fields or parameters processed by the affected module. The remote exploitation capability means that malicious actors can trigger this vulnerability through web requests without requiring local access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in healthcare environments where sensitive patient data is processed. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross site scripting flaws in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive patient information, manipulate medical records, or redirect users to malicious websites. In healthcare settings, this represents a significant risk to patient privacy and data security, potentially violating regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR. The vulnerability's presence in an HTML form entry system means that any data entered through forms could be compromised, affecting the integrity of clinical documentation and patient care workflows. Attackers could exploit this to gain unauthorized access to protected health information, potentially leading to identity theft or medical fraud.
Security professionals should prioritize the immediate implementation of the recommended upgrade to version 2.0.0, which incorporates the patch identified by commit hash 811990972ea07649ae33c4b56c61c3b520895f07. This upgrade addresses the root cause by implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms that prevent malicious scripts from being executed within the application context. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as content security policies, web application firewalls, and regular security assessments to further mitigate the risk of similar vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for scripting, highlighting the need for defensive measures that prevent code injection attacks. System administrators should conduct thorough testing of the upgraded module to ensure that the patch does not introduce any regressions in functionality while maintaining the security improvements necessary to protect patient data integrity within healthcare information systems.