CVE-2023-28650 in EY-AS525F001
Summary
by MITRE • 03/27/2023
An unauthenticated remote attacker could provide a malicious link and trick an unsuspecting user into clicking on it. If clicked, the attacker could execute the malicious JavaScript (JS) payload in the target’s security context.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2025
This vulnerability represents a sophisticated cross-site scripting attack vector that exploits user trust and browser security mechanisms through malicious hyperlink delivery. The flaw allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to craft deceptive links that, when clicked by a victim, execute malicious javascript code within the target's browser context. The attack leverages the inherent trust users place in web navigation and the automatic execution capabilities of modern browsers. This represents a classic example of a server-side request forgery or reflective cross-site scripting scenario where user input is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications.
The technical implementation of this exploit involves crafting malicious URLs that contain javascript payloads which are executed when users navigate to the crafted links. The attack operates without requiring authentication since it targets the client-side execution environment rather than server-side access controls. This creates a significant risk because the malicious code executes with the privileges and permissions of the authenticated user's browser session, potentially allowing for session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the user's access rights. The vulnerability demonstrates how attackers can leverage social engineering techniques combined with technical exploitation to bypass traditional security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution to potentially enable full user session compromise and data exfiltration. When a user clicks the malicious link, the javascript payload can access cookies, local storage, and other browser resources that may contain sensitive information or authentication tokens. This creates a pathway for attackers to impersonate legitimate users, access restricted resources, or escalate privileges within the targeted application. The attack can be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may have elevated access rights, as the malicious code can leverage these privileges during execution. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering tactics and can be classified under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage.
Mitigation strategies must address both the technical implementation and user behavior aspects of this vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious javascript from being executed in web applications. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can significantly reduce the impact of such attacks by restricting script execution sources and preventing inline script execution. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should emphasize the dangers of clicking untrusted links, particularly in email communications or messaging platforms. Regular security testing including automated scanning and manual penetration testing can help identify vulnerable application components before attackers can exploit them. The solution should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing strict origin validation and referrer checking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized script execution across different domains.