CVE-2023-0827 in pimcore
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2023
Cross-site Scripting (XSS) - Stored in GitHub repository pimcore/pimcore prior to 1.5.17.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-0827 represents a stored cross-site scripting flaw within the pimcore content management platform, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.5.17. This vulnerability resides in the repository management functionality where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to users. The issue allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that persist in the application's database and execute whenever other users view the affected content, making it particularly dangerous for collaborative environments where multiple administrators interact with shared repositories.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the repository handling components of pimcore. When users submit repository names, descriptions, or other metadata containing script tags or malicious payloads, these inputs are stored without proper sanitization. The flaw manifests as a CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability, which directly enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of affected users' browsers. This stored nature means the malicious code remains persistent in the system until manually removed or patched, unlike reflected XSS attacks that require specific user interactions.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-0827 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges, steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious sites. In enterprise environments where pimcore serves as a central content management system, this vulnerability could allow adversaries to gain persistent access to sensitive data repositories, manipulate content, or compromise the integrity of the entire platform. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that repository management often involves privileged users who may have elevated permissions within the system, potentially enabling lateral movement and privilege escalation attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching to version 1.5.17 or later, which implements proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers, including server-side sanitization of all repository metadata and user-generated content. Security teams should conduct thorough code reviews focusing on input handling within repository modules and implement automated scanning tools to detect similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. Additionally, implementing content security policies and regular security assessments aligned with NIST SP 800-53 security controls can help prevent similar issues from emerging in future development cycles. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious content and T1071.001 for application layer protocol usage, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures across multiple attack vectors.