CVE-2023-22271 in Experience Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 03/22/2023
Experience Manager versions 6.5.15.0 (and earlier) are affected by a Weak Cryptography for Passwords vulnerability that can lead to a security feature bypass. A low-privileged attacker can exploit this in order to decrypt a user's password. The attack complexity is high since a successful exploitation requires to already have in possession this encrypted secret.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-22271 affects Adobe Experience Manager versions 6.5.15.0 and earlier, presenting a significant weakness in cryptographic implementation that enables security feature bypass. This issue resides within the password encryption mechanisms employed by the system, specifically targeting the cryptographic strength used for password storage and retrieval. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-327, which addresses weak cryptographic algorithms and improper implementation of cryptographic functions. The flaw creates a pathway for attackers to potentially compromise user authentication credentials through decryption of stored passwords.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the use of insufficiently strong cryptographic algorithms or improper cryptographic practices in the password handling mechanisms. When passwords are stored within the Experience Manager system, they are encrypted using cryptographic methods that do not meet contemporary security standards. The attack requires an adversary to already possess the encrypted password hash or cipher text, making the attack complexity high but not impossible to execute. This prerequisite means that attackers must first gain access to the encrypted password data before they can attempt decryption, which typically occurs through other initial compromise vectors or privilege escalation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to bypass security controls that depend on proper password encryption. A low-privileged attacker who successfully exploits this weakness can potentially access user accounts and escalate their privileges within the system. The security feature bypass capability allows unauthorized individuals to circumvent authentication mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized access to sensitive resources. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely heavily on Experience Manager for content management and user authentication, as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions of password protection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-22271 require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to Adobe Experience Manager versions that have addressed this cryptographic weakness, as newer releases implement stronger encryption algorithms and proper cryptographic practices. Organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring and detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual access patterns or attempts to retrieve password information. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers credentials from password storage, and represents a critical risk for organizations that have not yet patched their systems. Security teams should also review their current cryptographic implementations and ensure compliance with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-57 for cryptographic strength requirements, as the weakness demonstrates inadequate adherence to established security frameworks for password handling and encryption.