CVE-2022-48013 in Opencats
Summary
by MITRE • 01/27/2023
Opencats v0.9.7 was discovered to contain a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the component /opencats/index.php?m=calendar. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML via a crafted payload injected into the Description or Title text fields.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2022-48013 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw within the Opencats job management platform version 0.9.7. This security weakness exists in the calendar component accessible through the URL path /opencats/index.php?m=calendar, where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to users. The vulnerability specifically affects the Description and Title text fields, which are commonly used by users to enter event details and calendar entries. When an attacker crafts a malicious payload and submits it through these fields, the malicious code gets stored within the application's database and subsequently executed whenever other users view the affected calendar entries.
This stored XSS vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79, which classifies it as "Cross-site Scripting" and specifically represents the stored variant where malicious scripts are permanently stored on the target server. The attack vector leverages the fact that the application fails to implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms for user-entered content. The vulnerability enables attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code, HTML content, or other executable scripts that will execute in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected calendar entries. This creates a persistent threat where the malicious code can compromise user sessions, steal cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of victims.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the application environment. When users with administrative privileges view calendar entries containing malicious payloads, attackers could potentially escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or manipulate calendar entries to further compromise the system. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of user data, as the stored scripts can capture user credentials, session tokens, or other sensitive information. Additionally, the attack can lead to unauthorized access to calendar data, manipulation of event scheduling, and potential data exfiltration through beaconing mechanisms embedded in the malicious scripts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-48013 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The most effective immediate fix involves sanitizing all user inputs in the Description and Title fields using proper HTML escaping techniques before storing or rendering the content. Implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution, while regular security audits of input handling mechanisms should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious payloads, and users should be educated about the risks of viewing untrusted calendar entries. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which covers "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment", as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to deliver malicious payloads through calendar entries that appear legitimate to users. Patching the application to a version that properly addresses this XSS vulnerability represents the most reliable long-term solution, as it eliminates the root cause of the security weakness.