CVE-2022-23054 in Openmct
Summary
by MITRE • 02/21/2022
Openmct versions 1.3.0 to 1.7.7 are vulnerable against stored XSS via the “Summary Widget” element, that allows the injection of malicious JavaScript into the ‘URL’ field. This issue affects: nasa openmct 1.7.7 version and prior versions; 1.3.0 version and later versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-23054 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw within the OpenMCT (Open Mission Control Technologies) platform, specifically affecting versions ranging from 1.3.0 through 1.7.7. This vulnerability resides within the Summary Widget element functionality, where users can configure URL fields that are subsequently rendered in web interfaces. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code into the URL field of the Summary Widget, which then gets executed when other users view or interact with the affected dashboard components. This represents a significant security risk as it allows for persistent malicious code execution within the context of the victim's browser session, potentially compromising the entire user environment and the data being displayed in the mission control interface. The vulnerability directly impacts NASA's OpenMCT platform, which is widely used for mission control and data visualization in space exploration and other critical applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper sanitization of user input within the Summary Widget's URL field parameter. When an attacker crafts malicious JavaScript code and injects it into this field, the platform fails to properly validate or escape the input before storing it in the system. This stored malicious content is then retrieved and executed whenever the widget is rendered to a user's browser, making it a classic stored XSS vulnerability. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input, and it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious content. The attack vector specifically targets the web interface rendering process where the Summary Widget displays data, allowing for code execution in the context of the authenticated user's session, which could lead to complete system compromise if users have administrative privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including credential theft, session hijacking, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation within the OpenMCT environment. Given that OpenMCT is used for critical mission control operations, this vulnerability could potentially allow adversaries to manipulate mission-critical data, disrupt operations, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious code persists in the system and affects all users who view the affected widgets, making it particularly dangerous for collaborative environments where multiple users access shared dashboards. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of the mission control interface, potentially leading to operational disruptions during critical mission phases when real-time data visualization is essential for decision-making processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-23054 should prioritize immediate patching of affected OpenMCT versions to the latest releases that contain proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied content, particularly within configuration fields that are rendered in web interfaces. The implementation of Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can provide additional protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be executed. Regular security scanning of dashboard configurations and widget settings should be conducted to identify and remediate any stored malicious content. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of interacting with untrusted dashboard elements and regular security assessments of the OpenMCT environment are recommended to maintain overall security posture. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior in dashboard configurations that might indicate successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input sanitization in web applications and serves as a reminder of the critical nature of security in mission-critical systems where the integrity of data visualization platforms directly impacts operational success and safety.