CVE-2022-0509 in pimcore
Summary
by MITRE • 02/08/2022
Cross-site Scripting (XSS) - Stored in Packagist pimcore/pimcore prior to 10.3.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-0509 represents a stored cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the Packagist package pimcore/pimcore affecting versions prior to 10.3.1. This security defect resides within the Pimcore content management framework and content management system that is widely utilized by enterprises for digital experience platforms. The vulnerability allows malicious actors to inject persistent malicious scripts into the application's database through user input fields, which then executes in the context of other users' browsers when they access affected pages. This particular flaw falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-site Scripting, specifically classified as a stored XSS vulnerability where the malicious payload is permanently stored on the server and executed whenever users view the compromised content. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical weakness in the input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms within the Pimcore application's data handling processes.
The technical implementation of this stored XSS vulnerability occurs when user-supplied data containing malicious script code is processed and stored within the Pimcore database without proper validation or sanitization. When authenticated users subsequently access pages that display this stored content, the malicious JavaScript code executes in their browser context, potentially enabling attackers to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of victims, or redirect users to malicious websites. The attack vector typically involves manipulating forms, content fields, or metadata inputs within the Pimcore interface where user data is accepted and persisted. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core content management functionality of Pimcore, potentially compromising all user sessions and data within the affected system. The flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 for 'Modify System Image' and T1566 for 'Phishing' as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access or deliver malicious payloads to unsuspecting users.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-0509 extends beyond simple script execution, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, manipulate content, or establish backdoor access points within the affected systems. Organizations utilizing Pimcore versions before 10.3.1 face significant risks including data breaches, content tampering, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where Pimcore serves as a central content management platform for websites, digital asset management, and customer-facing applications. Attackers can exploit this weakness to harvest user credentials, inject malicious advertisements, or redirect users to phishing sites that can capture sensitive information. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious code persists even after the initial injection, creating a long-term threat that remains active until properly patched. This vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten 2017 category A03: Injection, specifically targeting the improper handling of user input data within web applications.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including upgrading to Pimcore version 10.3.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing comprehensive input validation, output encoding, and Content Security Policy headers to limit the impact of potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of user input fields and content management interfaces to identify any potential injection points that could be exploited. The remediation process should include reviewing and testing all user-facing forms, content editing interfaces, and metadata input areas within the Pimcore application. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activities related to XSS exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other components of the digital infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust input validation mechanisms as outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 security standards for information security management.