CVE-2022-0256 in pimcore
Summary
by MITRE • 01/17/2022
pimcore is vulnerable to Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0256 affects pimcore, a popular content management framework, by exposing it to cross-site scripting attacks through improper input neutralization during web page generation processes. This weakness allows malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on pimcore for their digital content management operations.
The technical flaw manifests when pimcore fails to adequately sanitize user input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. This improper neutralization creates an environment where attackers can craft malicious payloads that execute within the context of other users' browsers when they view affected web pages. The vulnerability specifically impacts the web page generation component of pimcore, suggesting that the issue occurs during the rendering or output processing phase of content delivery. According to CWE classification, this represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability categorized under CWE-79, which deals with improper neutralization of input during web page generation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and redirection to malicious sites. Organizations using pimcore may experience compromised user sessions, unauthorized access to sensitive content, and potential data breaches when this vulnerability is exploited. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that pimcore is designed for content management systems where user input is frequently processed and displayed, making the exploitation relatively straightforward for threat actors with basic knowledge of XSS techniques.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 which focuses on use of web shell for persistence and access. The exploitability of CVE-2022-0256 can be enhanced when combined with other attack vectors, particularly in environments where pimcore is integrated with other web applications or when user input is not properly validated at multiple layers. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of web applications, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate content, steal user authentication tokens, or redirect users to phishing sites that appear legitimate within the pimcore interface.
Organizations should prioritize immediate mitigation through patching the affected pimcore versions, implementing proper input validation mechanisms, and deploying content security policies to reduce the impact of potential exploitation. Additional protective measures include regular security assessments of web applications, monitoring for suspicious user input patterns, and ensuring that all user-facing web interfaces properly sanitize and encode dynamic content to prevent script injection. The remediation process should also involve comprehensive testing to ensure that input sanitization mechanisms are properly implemented across all pimcore components that process user-generated content.