CVE-2019-8089 in Experience Manager Forms
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Experience Manager Forms versions 6.3-6.5 have a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to sensitive information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2019
Adobe Experience Manager Forms versions 6.3 through 6.5 contain a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability that falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation. This vulnerability exists in the form processing components where user input is not properly sanitized before being reflected back to the browser. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited across multiple sessions and user interactions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the core form processing functionality that handles user submissions and data handling within the AEM environment.
The technical implementation of this reflected XSS vulnerability occurs when the application processes form parameters without adequate input validation or output encoding. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that are executed in the context of a victim's browser when they access a specially crafted URL containing the malicious script. This type of vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK framework as T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, where the malicious script serves as the payload delivered through crafted form interactions. The reflected nature means that the malicious script is immediately reflected back to the user without being stored on the server, making detection more challenging and allowing for immediate exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can lead to sensitive information disclosure through various attack vectors. An attacker could potentially steal session cookies, access user credentials, or extract sensitive data from the AEM environment. The vulnerability affects the entire range of AEM Forms versions mentioned, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple releases and suggesting that organizations using these versions are at significant risk. The potential for credential theft and session hijacking makes this particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where AEM Forms often handle sensitive business data and user information.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding controls, proper parameter sanitization, and regular security updates to address this vulnerability. The recommended approach includes implementing Content Security Policy headers to prevent script execution, validating all user inputs against strict whitelists, and ensuring that all form parameters are properly encoded before being rendered in web pages. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their AEM installations, monitor for suspicious user activity, and maintain up-to-date security patches to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in web applications, particularly in enterprise content management systems that process user-generated data.