CVE-2022-0698 in Microweber
Summary
by MITRE • 11/25/2022
Microweber version 1.3.1 allows an unauthenticated user to perform an account takeover via an XSS on the 'select-file' parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0698 affects Microweber version 1.3.1 and represents a critical security flaw that enables unauthenticated attackers to execute account takeover operations through cross-site scripting exploits. This vulnerability specifically targets the 'select-file' parameter within the application's file selection functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to compromise user accounts without requiring prior authentication credentials. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental weakness in input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the Microweber content management system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input in the select-file parameter, which allows malicious scripts to be injected and subsequently executed within the context of a victim's browser session. When an authenticated user interacts with the vulnerable parameter, the malicious payload executes in their browser, potentially capturing session cookies, credentials, or other sensitive information. This XSS vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing campaigns, social engineering, or by leveraging the vulnerability in conjunction with other exploitation techniques. The flaw aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting as a code injection vulnerability that permits attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the victim's browser context.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-0698 extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables full account takeover capabilities that can result in complete compromise of user accounts and potentially the underlying system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive user data, modify content, perform administrative actions, and establish persistent access to the compromised accounts. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require valid credentials to initiate exploitation, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential damage. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on Microweber for content management, as it undermines the integrity of user sessions and creates opportunities for data exfiltration and system compromise.
Security practitioners should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability through the application of patches provided by the Microweber development team or by implementing compensating controls such as web application firewalls and input validation measures. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive input sanitization, output encoding, and the implementation of Content Security Policies to prevent script execution in the browser context. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parameters and components of their Microweber installations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper security testing and validation of web applications, particularly those handling user input through file selection and upload functionalities. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1531 and T1071.004 techniques, representing application layer attacks that leverage web application vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access and maintain persistent presence within target environments.