CVE-2022-23047 in Exponent
Summary
by MITRE • 02/10/2022
Exponent CMS 2.6.0patch2 allows an authenticated admin user to inject persistent JavaScript code inside the "Site/Organization Name","Site Title" and "Site Header" parameters while updating the site settings on "/exponentcms/administration/configure_site"
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2022
This vulnerability exists within Exponent CMS version 2.6.0patch2 where an authenticated administrator user can inject persistent javascript code into critical site configuration parameters. The flaw occurs during the site settings update process at the specific endpoint /exponentcms/administration/configure_site where the application fails to properly sanitize user input for the "Site/Organization Name", "Site Title", and "Site Header" fields. This represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows for persistent javascript injection, enabling attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of the victim's browser when these configuration values are rendered on web pages.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the cms administration interface. When administrators update these site parameters, the application stores the provided values directly into the database without adequate sanitization of potentially malicious javascript code. This lack of proper input filtering creates a persistent cross-site scripting vulnerability that can be exploited by any user with administrative privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects core site configuration fields that are likely displayed throughout the website, amplifying the potential impact of the injected javascript code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with a persistent means to execute arbitrary javascript code within the context of authenticated administrator sessions. This could enable attackers to perform actions such as stealing session cookies, modifying website content, redirecting users to malicious sites, or even escalating privileges within the cms environment. The persistent nature of the vulnerability means that once exploited, the malicious javascript code will continue to execute whenever the affected site parameters are rendered, potentially affecting all users who access pages displaying these values. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79 - Cross-site Scripting and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 - Phishing via Service Provider - where attackers can leverage the cms administration interface to deliver malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the cms application. All user-supplied input for configuration parameters must be sanitized using strict whitelist validation or proper HTML escaping techniques before being stored in the database. The application should employ Content Security Policy headers to prevent execution of unauthorized javascript code. Additionally, administrators should be educated about the risks of injecting untrusted code into configuration fields and should implement role-based access controls to limit who can modify critical site settings. Regular security audits of input validation mechanisms and monitoring for suspicious administrative activities should also be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization in web applications and highlights the need for defense-in-depth approaches to protect against persistent cross-site scripting attacks.