CVE-2022-45014 in WBCE
Summary
by MITRE • 11/21/2022
A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Search Settings module of WBCE CMS v1.5.4 allows attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML via a crafted payload injected into the Results Header field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2025
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within the Search Settings module of WBCE CMS version 1.5.4, representing a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized code execution through malicious input manipulation. The vulnerability specifically targets the Results Header field, which serves as an input parameter where administrators can define custom HTML content to be displayed in search results headers. When attackers inject malicious payloads into this field, the CMS fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before rendering it in the web interface, creating an opening for persistent XSS attacks that can compromise user sessions and execute unauthorized commands.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which classifies it as a classic reflected or stored XSS flaw depending on how the malicious input is processed and stored within the system. The vulnerability operates by bypassing the CMS's input validation mechanisms that should normally prevent HTML and script code injection. Attackers can craft payloads that include javascript code, iframe tags, or other malicious HTML elements that get executed in the context of other users' browsers when they view search results. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious websites that can further compromise their systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-45014 extends beyond simple script execution, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be used for advanced persistent threats and session hijacking attacks. When an administrator or authenticated user visits a page containing the malicious search results header, their browser executes the injected code within the context of the vulnerable CMS application, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive administrative functions, or exfiltrate data from the system. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as it can be exploited through malicious search result headers that appear legitimate to users, making it particularly effective for social engineering campaigns. The vulnerability affects the entire user base of the CMS, including both administrators and regular users who may encounter the malicious content during search operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate input sanitization and output encoding of all user-supplied content within the Search Settings module. The CMS should implement strict HTML filtering that removes or encodes potentially dangerous elements such as script tags, event handlers, and javascript protocols. Organizations should also implement Content Security Policy headers to prevent execution of unauthorized scripts, ensure regular security updates are applied, and conduct thorough input validation testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other modules. Additionally, administrators should be educated about the risks of accepting untrusted input into CMS configuration fields, and the system should enforce proper access controls to limit who can modify search settings. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and output encoding as fundamental security practices that align with OWASP Top Ten security controls, particularly those addressing injection flaws and cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that can lead to complete system compromise.