CVE-2022-0906 in Microweber
Summary
by MITRE • 03/10/2022
Unrestricted file upload leads to stored XSS in GitHub repository microweber/microweber prior to 1.1.12.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0906 represents a critical security flaw in the Microweber content management system where unrestricted file upload capabilities enable attackers to execute stored cross-site scripting attacks. This vulnerability exists within the file upload functionality of the Microweber repository prior to version 1.1.12, creating a dangerous pathway for malicious actors to compromise systems through persistent XSS vectors. The issue stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of uploaded files, particularly those with scriptable extensions that can be executed within web browsers when accessed by other users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to upload malicious files that contain XSS payloads, which then get stored on the server and executed whenever the file is accessed through the web interface. This creates a persistent threat where the malicious code executes against all users who view the compromised content, making it particularly dangerous for multi-user environments where administrators and regular users may interact with uploaded content. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate file types, extensions, or content, enabling attackers to bypass security controls designed to prevent execution of potentially harmful code.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-0906 extends beyond simple XSS execution, as it can lead to complete session hijacking, credential theft, and potential lateral movement within compromised networks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal user sessions, redirect traffic to malicious sites, or harvest sensitive information from authenticated users. The stored nature of the XSS payload means that even after the initial compromise, the attack remains persistent until the malicious file is removed from the system, creating ongoing security risks for organizations using vulnerable versions of Microweber. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which categorizes insecure file upload vulnerabilities as a significant threat to web application security.
Organizations utilizing Microweber software prior to version 1.1.12 face substantial risk of unauthorized access and data compromise through this vulnerability. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that many CMS platforms like Microweber are frequently targeted by automated scanners seeking to exploit known vulnerabilities in web applications. Security teams should immediately implement mitigation strategies including immediate upgrade to version 1.1.12 or later, implementing strict file type validation, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious file uploads. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components and establish comprehensive monitoring protocols to detect unauthorized file uploads and potential XSS execution attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage in malicious payloads.