CVE-2022-45013 in WBCE
Summary
by MITRE • 11/21/2022
A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Show Advanced Option module of WBCE CMS v1.5.4 allows attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML via a crafted payload injected into the Section Header field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-45013 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the WBCE CMS version 1.5.4 platform, specifically affecting the Show Advanced Option module. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it within web pages. The affected Section Header field serves as the primary attack vector where malicious payloads can be injected, exploiting the CMS's insufficient protection against malicious script execution. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications, making it a direct descendant of well-established web security weaknesses.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing executable JavaScript code or HTML elements and injects it into the Section Header field of the Show Advanced Option module. When other users view the affected page, the malicious code executes in their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that the CMS does not properly escape or encode special characters in the user input before displaying it, creating an environment where attacker-controlled content can be interpreted as executable code rather than plain text. This flaw operates at the application layer and requires no privileged access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the CMS administration interface or by attackers who can influence content creation.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-45013 extends beyond simple script execution to encompass broader security implications for organizations relying on WBCE CMS v1.5.4. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access through session manipulation, steal administrator credentials, or deploy additional malicious payloads that could lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability also affects user trust and data integrity since legitimate users may unknowingly execute malicious code when viewing affected content. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1566 (Phishing) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) techniques, as attackers can use it to deliver malicious payloads and execute arbitrary commands. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that many CMS platforms like WBCE are used by organizations with limited security resources, making such vulnerabilities attractive targets for automated exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-45013 should prioritize immediate patching of the WBCE CMS to version 1.5.5 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation that filters or escapes special characters including angle brackets, quotes, and script tags before processing user input. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth by restricting script execution and preventing unauthorized code injection. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other modules. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious payloads attempting to exploit XSS vulnerabilities. Additionally, user education and access control measures should be strengthened to limit who can modify content within the CMS, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in legitimate functionality while maintaining the security improvements.