CVE-2022-44575 in PLM Help Server
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2022
A vulnerability has been identified in PLM Help Server V4.2 (All versions). A reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability exists in the web interface of the affected application that could allow an attacker to execute malicious javascript code by tricking users into accessing a malicious link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2022-44575 represents a critical reflected cross-site scripting flaw in PLM Help Server V4.2, affecting all versions of this product. This vulnerability resides within the web interface of the application, making it accessible through standard web browser interactions. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious javascript code into web pages that are subsequently executed by unsuspecting users who visit compromised links. The reflected nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious payload is reflected off the web server and delivered to the victim's browser, making it particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through various attack vectors including phishing emails, malicious websites, or compromised web applications that interact with the PLM Help Server.
This cross-site scripting vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, a fundamental security weakness that allows attackers to inject client-side scripts into web applications. The vulnerability's impact is significant as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary javascript code within the context of the victim's browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the victim's system. The attack requires social engineering to trick users into clicking malicious links, but once executed, the malicious code can perform actions such as stealing cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or even modifying the content of the web page to deceive users. The vulnerability affects the authentication and authorization mechanisms of the PLM Help Server, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information or system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the PLM Help Server environment. Attackers can leverage this flaw to manipulate user sessions, potentially gaining elevated privileges or accessing restricted functionality within the application. The reflected XSS nature means that the attack is not persistent on the server itself but rather relies on tricking users into executing the malicious payload through carefully crafted URLs. This makes the vulnerability particularly challenging to detect and mitigate as it can be delivered through various legitimate communication channels. The attack vector typically involves sending malicious links through email or other communication channels, where users are induced to click on them, resulting in the execution of malicious javascript code in their browser context.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to protect against this vulnerability, starting with immediate patching of the PLM Help Server to address the reflected XSS flaw. The mitigation strategy should include input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied data, ensuring that any data entering the application is properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages. Implementing proper content security policies can help prevent the execution of unauthorized scripts, while also enforcing strict access controls and monitoring for suspicious user activities. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their web applications. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should be implemented to help users recognize and avoid potentially malicious links. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering tactics, specifically focusing on spearphishing and malicious links that can be used to deliver XSS payloads to target systems.