CVE-2022-32124 in 74cmsSE
Summary
by MITRE • 06/23/2022
74cmsSE v3.5.1 was discovered to contain a reflective cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability via the component /index/jobfairol/show/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-32124 affects 74cmsSE version 3.5.1 and represents a critical reflective cross-site scripting flaw within the application's job fair overview component. This security weakness exists at the specific endpoint /index/jobfairol/show/ where user input is not properly sanitized or validated before being rendered back to the browser. The vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially enabling session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The reflective nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious payload is reflected off the web server back to the victim's browser, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no persistent storage on the target system. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 which focuses on use of web shells and malicious scripts for persistence and data exfiltration. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in the context of job fair platforms where sensitive user data including resumes, contact information, and application details may be exposed through such attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the job fair overview module. When users navigate to the vulnerable endpoint, the application processes URL parameters without adequate sanitization, allowing maliciously crafted input to be executed as JavaScript within the victim's browser context. This flaw typically occurs when developers fail to implement proper output encoding or when input validation is insufficient to prevent the injection of script tags or other malicious code sequences. The attack vector requires an attacker to craft a malicious URL containing script payloads and trick users into clicking the link, making social engineering a critical component of exploitation. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious code appears to originate from the legitimate website, making it more difficult for users to detect and increasing the potential for successful attacks. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable more sophisticated attacks such as cookie theft, which would allow attackers to impersonate users and access their accounts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability presents significant risks to both end users and the platform administrators. Users may experience unauthorized access to their personal information, including job applications, contact details, and potentially login credentials if session management is compromised. The platform itself faces reputational damage and potential legal consequences if user data is compromised through such attacks. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to redirect users to phishing sites, harvest session cookies, or inject malicious content that could propagate to other users within the same platform. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to perform account takeover operations, especially if the platform does not implement proper CSRF protection or session management controls. Organizations using this platform may face regulatory compliance issues under data protection laws such as gdpr or ccpa if user data is exposed through such vulnerabilities. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that job fair platforms often contain sensitive information about job seekers, employers, and recruitment processes, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking to exploit user trust.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The most effective immediate fix involves sanitizing all user-supplied input before it is processed or rendered, implementing proper HTML encoding for dynamic content, and utilizing Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation at the application level, ensuring that all URL parameters are strictly validated against expected formats and ranges. The platform should also employ proper session management practices including secure cookie attributes, regular session regeneration, and CSRF token implementation. Additionally, regular security testing including automated vulnerability scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components. Implementing a web application firewall with XSS detection capabilities can provide additional protection layers. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures to quickly address any exploitation attempts and conduct regular security awareness training for developers to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future releases. The fix should align with security best practices outlined in owasp top ten and mitre attack frameworks, ensuring comprehensive protection against not only this specific vulnerability but also similar cross-site scripting threats that may exist elsewhere in the application.