CVE-2022-28598 in ERPNext
Summary
by MITRE • 08/22/2022
Frappe ERPNext 12.29.0 is vulnerable to XSS where the software does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralize user-controllable input before it is placed in output that is used as a web page that is served to other users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-28598 affects Frappe ERPNext version 12.29.0 and represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw that undermines the application's security posture. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web application's processing pipeline. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially compromising the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data within the ERP environment.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the application's failure to properly sanitize user-controllable input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. When users submit data through various application interfaces, the system does not adequately neutralize potentially harmful input patterns that could be interpreted as executable code by web browsers. This improper handling of user input creates an opening for attackers to inject malicious javascript payloads that execute within the context of other users' browser sessions.
From an operational impact perspective, this XSS vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using ERPNext as their primary enterprise resource planning solution. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized transactions, modify critical business data, or escalate privileges within the application. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that ERPNext systems typically contain highly sensitive financial, inventory, and personnel information that could be compromised through successful exploitation. The vulnerability affects all users who interact with the application's web interfaces, making it a widespread concern across the entire user base.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications. This classification indicates that the issue represents a well-documented weakness in web application security that has been extensively studied and catalogued within the cybersecurity community. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1566, which encompasses social engineering techniques that leverage web-based attacks to compromise systems. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack chain that could lead to more severe compromises including credential theft, data exfiltration, and persistent access to critical business systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-28598 should prioritize immediate application updates to patched versions that address the input sanitization issues. Organizations must implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms that properly encode user-controllable data before rendering it in web contexts. Additionally, deploying content security policies and implementing proper output encoding practices can significantly reduce the attack surface. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, while user education about recognizing and avoiding suspicious web content remains an essential defensive measure against exploitation attempts.