CVE-2022-24587 in PluXml
Summary
by MITRE • 02/15/2022
A stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the component core/admin/medias.php of PluXml v5.8.7 allows attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2022
The stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-24587 resides within PluXml version 5.8.7 in the core/admin/medias.php component. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's media management interface. The vulnerability specifically affects the administrative backend where users can upload and manage media files, creating an environment where persistent malicious code can be executed against unsuspecting users who view the compromised media content. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting as a common web application security flaw occurring when untrusted data is sent to a web browser without proper validation or sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker uploads a media file containing malicious script code or when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input in the media management interface. The stored nature of this XSS flaw means that the malicious payload persists in the application's database or file system, allowing it to be executed every time a user accesses the affected media content. This persistent execution model significantly amplifies the attack surface and impact compared to reflected XSS vulnerabilities where the malicious code must be triggered through specific user actions. The flaw essentially allows attackers to inject HTML or JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-24587 extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to compromise entire administrative sessions and potentially gain full control over the PluXml installation. When administrators or other users access the compromised media files through the admin interface, their browsers execute the malicious scripts, which can steal cookies, modify content, or redirect users to phishing sites. The vulnerability particularly threatens web applications that rely on user-uploaded content, as it demonstrates how media management interfaces can become attack vectors for broader system compromise. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which covers spearphishing attachments, as the malicious media files can serve as delivery mechanisms for more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the PluXml application to version 5.8.8 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the XSS vulnerability. Organizations should also implement strict input validation and sanitization measures for all user-supplied data in media upload interfaces, including file type validation, content scanning, and the removal of potentially dangerous HTML elements from uploaded files. Additional defensive measures include implementing content security policies to limit script execution, using secure file upload practices with proper file extension checks, and regularly auditing media management interfaces for similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in OWASP Top 10 and the CWE guidelines for preventing XSS attacks, particularly in administrative components where user input is processed and stored.