CVE-2022-45050 in Iguana CMS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/01/2022
A reflected XSS vulnerability has been found in Axiell Iguana CMS, allowing an attacker to execute code in a victim's browser. The title parameter on the twitter.php endpoint does not properly neutralise user input, resulting in the vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2022
The reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-45050 resides within the Axiell Iguana Content Management System, representing a critical security weakness that enables remote code execution in victim browsers. This vulnerability specifically targets the twitter.php endpoint where the title parameter fails to implement proper input sanitization mechanisms. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code through crafted HTTP requests that are then reflected back to users who access the vulnerable page, creating a persistent attack vector that can be exploited across multiple sessions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate output encoding and input validation practices within the Axiell Iguana platform. When user-supplied data enters the system through the title parameter in twitter.php, the application does not properly neutralize special characters that could be interpreted as executable code by web browsers. This failure directly aligns with CWE-79, which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a vulnerability where untrusted data is directly included in dynamic web content without proper sanitization. The reflected nature of this attack means that malicious payloads are executed immediately when users click on links containing the crafted input, making it particularly dangerous in phishing scenarios or when embedded in social media content.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-45050 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can be leveraged for comprehensive session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration from authenticated users. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when clicked by victims, execute scripts that steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or even deploy additional malware payloads. The vulnerability's placement within a CMS environment amplifies its potential damage since CMS platforms often contain sensitive administrative interfaces and user data. This weakness can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to content management functions, modify website content, or establish persistent backdoors within the affected system.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding at the application level, specifically targeting the twitter.php endpoint and similar vulnerable parameters. The recommended approach involves implementing strict sanitization routines that filter or escape special characters before any user input is processed or displayed. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities and deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. According to ATT&CK framework technique T1566, this vulnerability represents a social engineering attack vector that can be amplified through various communication channels, making comprehensive network monitoring and user education essential components of the remediation strategy. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices in web application security, as outlined in OWASP Top Ten category a03:2021, which emphasizes the need for robust data sanitization to prevent XSS attacks.