CVE-2022-47196 in Ghost
Summary
by MITRE • 01/19/2023
An insecure default vulnerability exists in the Post Creation functionality of Ghost Foundation Ghost 5.9.4. Default installations of Ghost allow non-administrator users to inject arbitrary Javascript in posts, which allow privilege escalation to administrator via XSS. To trigger this vulnerability, an attacker can send an HTTP request to inject Javascript in a post to trick an administrator into visiting the post.A stored XSS vulnerability exists in the `codeinjection_head` for a post.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-47196 represents a critical insecure default configuration within the Ghost content management system version 5.9.4, specifically affecting the post creation functionality. This security flaw stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user inputs, particularly when processing code injection within the head section of posts. The vulnerability manifests as a stored cross-site scripting attack vector that exploits the application's default settings, which permit non-administrator users to inject malicious javascript code into posts. The security implications are severe because this vulnerability can be leveraged to escalate privileges from regular user accounts to administrator level access, fundamentally compromising the entire system's security posture.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a sophisticated attack chain that begins with a non-administrator user crafting a malicious post containing javascript code within the `codeinjection_head` field. This field, designed for embedding additional code in the head section of posts, becomes a vector for persistent malicious script execution when the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the input. When an administrator subsequently visits the compromised post, their browser executes the injected javascript code within the context of their administrative session. This stored XSS vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically targeting the Ghost platform's content rendering engine and its insufficient input validation mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform complete privilege escalation attacks. Once an administrator visits the malicious post, the injected javascript can leverage the administrator's elevated privileges to perform actions such as creating new administrator accounts, modifying existing user permissions, accessing sensitive data, or even installing malware. The vulnerability's persistence stems from the stored nature of the XSS attack, meaning the malicious code remains embedded within the system until manually removed by administrators. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple administrators over time without requiring repeated exploitation attempts.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and demonstrates how insecure defaults can create persistent security risks within content management systems. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistent threat capabilities, as attackers can establish long-term access through the stored XSS vector. The security implications are further compounded by the fact that this vulnerability affects default installations, suggesting that organizations deploying Ghost without proper security hardening measures are automatically vulnerable to this attack vector. Organizations should immediately implement security patches, review their input validation procedures, and consider implementing additional security controls such as content security policies and regular security audits to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
The recommended mitigation strategies include applying the vendor-provided security patch for Ghost version 5.9.4, implementing proper input sanitization and validation for all user-provided content, and establishing comprehensive monitoring for suspicious post creation activities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls, regular security assessments, and user access controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure default configurations and the necessity of proper input validation in web applications to prevent privilege escalation attacks.