HoundER Blog

Unveiling the Most Exploited Web Technology Vulnerabilities: Safeguarding Your Organization's Security Posture

In an era where web applications serve as the backbone of numerous organizations, ensuring their security is paramount. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) keeps a vigilant eye on emerging threats and vulnerabilities, providing valuable insights into the ever-evolving cyber landscape. In this blog post, we delve into some of the most recent web application vulnerabilities identified by CISA and shed light on the crucial role that Attack Surface Management (ASM) plays in bolstering an organization's security posture.

Web Application Vulnerabilities Unveiled:
CISA's list of known exploitable vulnerabilities sheds light on the risks lurking within web applications. These vulnerabilities expose organizations to a range of potential attacks, including data breaches, injection attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS), and more. Let's explore a few notable vulnerabilities:

  • CVE-2020-14882 - Targeting Oracle WebLogic Server, versions 10.3.6.0.0, 12.1.3.0.0, 12.2.1.3.0, and 12.2.1.4.0: Easily exploitable, this particular vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via HTTP to compromise Oracle WebLogic Server. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Oracle WebLogic Server.
  • CVE-2021-3156 (also known as "Baron Samedit") - Impacting the sudo utility on Unix-based systems and CVE-2021-41773 - Affecting Apache HTTP Server versions 2.4.49 and prior: Known as a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability, it enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages, subsequently targeting users and stealing sensitive information.
  • CVE-2021-21985 - Impacting VMware vCenter Server, versions 6.5, 6.7, and 7.0 and CVE-2021-22893 - Affecting Microsoft Exchange Server 2013, 2016, and 2019: This vulnerability exposes web applications to remote code execution attacks, granting unauthorized control over critical systems and potentially leading to devastating consequences.

The Role of Attack Surface Management (ASM):
As organizations strive to fortify their security posture, implementing Attack Surface Management emerges as a critical necessity. ASM provides real-time analysis of an organization's digital attack surface, ensuring comprehensive visibility into potential vulnerabilities. By prioritizing these vulnerabilities, ASM empowers cybersecurity teams to proactively address weaknesses, reducing the risk of security control failures and data breaches.

The Importance of Implementing ASM:
  1. Enhancing Cyber Resilience: ASM enables organizations to stay one step ahead of cyber threats, identifying and addressing vulnerabilities before they are exploited. By continuously monitoring the attack surface, organizations can proactively fortify their defenses and enhance their cyber resilience.
  2. Minimizing Shadow IT: Attack Surface Management helps organizations identify and monitor web-exposed assets, reducing the risks associated with unauthorized or unmonitored projects. By shining a light on potential Shadow IT activities, organizations can better manage their digital infrastructure and minimize vulnerabilities.
  3. Strengthening Overall Security Posture: By leveraging ASM, organizations can proactively address web application vulnerabilities, fortifying their overall security posture. A robust security posture not only safeguards critical assets but also boosts stakeholder confidence and protects the organization's reputation.

Conclusion:
In a threat landscape where web application vulnerabilities are a constant concern, organizations must prioritize the implementation of Attack Surface Management. By actively monitoring and addressing potential weaknesses, organizations can fortify their security posture, mitigate risks, and stay resilient in the face of evolving cyber threats. With ASM as a crucial tool in their arsenal, organizations can confidently navigate the digital landscape, safeguarding their critical assets and maintaining a robust security posture.
Vulnerability Management ASM