CVE-2020-13954: Cross-site scripting in Apache CXF
Summary
CVE-2020-13954: Cross-site scripting in Apache CXF. Affects org.apache.cxf:apache-cxf across 2 version ranges.
< 3.3.8
>= 3.4.0, < 3.4.1
Fixed in 3.3.8 or 3.4.1, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
Apache CXF is an open-source web services framework that allows developers to build and deploy services using various protocols and data formats. It provides a /services page by default, which displays a list of available endpoint names and addresses. This page is vulnerable to a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attack through the styleSheetPath parameter. This vulnerability affects all versions of Apache CXF prior to 3.4.1 and 3.3.8.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in Apache CXF allows an attacker to inject malicious JavaScript code into the web page, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or other malicious activities. The XSS attack is triggered when a user visits the vulnerable /services page and interacts with the styleSheetPath parameter. This can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the user's browser.
How To Fix
Fixed versions by release line
The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.
-
< 3.3.83.3.8 -
>= 3.4.0, < 3.4.13.4.1
Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, developers can disable the /services page or restrict access to it. This can be done by modifying the configuration of Apache CXF to exclude the generation of the /services page or by configuring access controls to restrict access to the page. However, it is strongly recommended to apply the official fix by upgrading to the patched versions of Apache CXF.
Conclusion
The XSS vulnerability in Apache CXF can be mitigated by upgrading to the patched versions of Apache CXF and implementing proper input validation. It is important to stay updated with the latest security patches and follow secure coding practices to protect your application from potential attacks. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for org.apache.cxf:apache-cxf →
FAQ
Apache CXF is an open-source web services framework that allows developers to build and deploy services using various protocols and data formats.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a type of security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.
If your application uses Apache CXF and exposes the vulnerable /services page, an attacker can exploit the XSS vulnerability to execute arbitrary code in the context of your users' browsers.
Yes, all versions of Apache CXF prior to 3.4.1 and 3.3.8 are affected by this XSS vulnerability.
To mitigate the vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade to Apache CXF version 3.4.1 or 3.3.8, and sanitize and validate user input to prevent XSS attacks.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for org.apache.cxf:apache-cxf.
