CVE-2021-20086 Scanner

Odoo is a popular suite of open-source business applications that is used by organizations worldwide for various business processes, including customer relationship management, accounting, inventory, and human resources. The system is highly modular, allowing for extensive customization and extension with additional apps tailored to specific business needs. It is commonly deployed in enterprise environments, often with cloud-based installations that allow for scalability and remote access. Due to its extensive use in handling sensitive business data, security is a predominant concern for its users. Odoo is utilized by businesses of all sizes, from small businesses to large corporations, looking to streamline their operations and integrate diverse business functions into a centralized platform.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into webpages viewed by other users. This particular XSS vulnerability in Odoo is related to prototype pollution in the jquery-bbq library component, which can lead to dangerous modifications of critical application data structures. An attacker can potentially manipulate application behavior or misuse functionality, thereby gaining insights into sensitive application data. The vulnerability especially arises when untrusted data is improperly handled and inserted into the Document Object Model without sanitation. In environments where this library version is used, this poses a potential risk for executing arbitrary scripts in the context of the user's browser.

The vulnerability exploits a weakness in jquery-bbq version 1.2.1 where an attacker can initiate malicious operations by injecting JSON properties into the Object prototype. This can lead to unauthorized operations, such as enabling XSS attacks through crafted URLs. By embedding harmful script instructions within JSON requests, attackers might trigger malicious JavaScript when those scripts are interpreted by a user's web browser. Specifically, the endpoints susceptible to this payload include those that inadequately guard against prototype pollution attacks, thereby imperiling the integrity of application functionalities. Attackers must ensure user interaction for effective exploitation, often relying on social engineering tactics to lure users into triggering the vulnerability.

If exploited, Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities may lead to a range of perilous outcomes, including the defacement of the target website, unauthorized access acquisition to user accounts, and theft of session tokens. Attackers could inject scripts that intercept sensitive information, such as cookies or session identifiers, thereby impersonating a legitimate user. Moreover, persistent XSS could result in alteration or deletion of data, leading to a severe breach of confidentiality, integrity, and service availability. Especially in applications that manage sensitive user or financial data, such breaches may culminate in significantly damaging user trust and company reputation alongside potential regulatory penalties.

REFERENCES

• https://www.tenable.com/security/research/tra-2022-10
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-20086