CVE-2022-45015 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 Footer 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 attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications. The vulnerability specifically targets the Results Footer field, which serves as an input parameter where users can define custom content to appear at the bottom of search results pages. When this field processes user input without proper sanitization or output encoding, it creates an opening for malicious actors to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of other users' browsers. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly filter or escape special characters and script tags, allowing attackers to bypass security controls and inject harmful payloads that can persist across multiple user sessions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. This classification indicates that the vulnerability represents a classic injection flaw where untrusted data flows into the application's output without proper sanitization, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior and compromise user sessions. The attack vector operates through a simple yet effective method where an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing JavaScript code and submits it through the Results Footer field. When legitimate users view the search results page, their browsers execute the injected script, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the principle of least privilege and proper input validation, as the application should never trust user-provided data and must sanitize all inputs before incorporating them into dynamic content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attacks that compromise the entire user base of the CMS installation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform session hijacking by stealing cookies and session tokens, redirect users to phishing sites, or even inject malicious advertisements that generate revenue for attackers. The persistent nature of the vulnerability means that once exploited, the malicious script continues to execute for all subsequent users who access the affected search results pages, creating a long-term threat vector. Additionally, the vulnerability can be combined with other attack vectors to create more sophisticated exploits, such as using the injected scripts to establish command and control channels or to perform further reconnaissance within the application's environment. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where the impact can cascade across numerous users and potentially affect the entire organization's security posture.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary fix involves implementing proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms that ensure all user-provided content in the Results Footer field is properly escaped before being rendered in web pages. This includes applying HTML entity encoding to special characters, implementing strict input validation that rejects suspicious payloads, and employing content security policies to prevent script execution. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block known XSS attack patterns, while regular security audits should verify that all input fields are properly protected against injection attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the OWASP Top Ten security guidelines, particularly those related to input validation and output encoding. Regular updates and patch management procedures should be implemented to ensure that CMS installations remain protected against known vulnerabilities, while security awareness training for developers can help prevent similar issues in future code implementations. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security testing tools that can identify XSS vulnerabilities during the development lifecycle, as this proactive approach can prevent vulnerabilities from reaching production environments.