CVE-2023-32087 in Pega
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Pega Platform versions 8.1 to Infinity 23.1.0 are affected by an XSS issue with task creation
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2023
The vulnerability exists within Pega Platform versions 8.1 through Infinity 23.1.0 where improper input validation and output encoding during task creation processes enables cross-site scripting attacks. This flaw allows malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into task creation forms, which then execute in the context of other users' browsers when they view or interact with these tasks. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data before rendering it within web pages, creating an avenue for attackers to exploit the platform's task management functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the failure to properly encode special characters and script tags in user-provided input fields during task creation workflows. When administrators or users create tasks containing malicious payloads, these inputs are not adequately filtered or escaped before being stored and subsequently displayed in web interfaces. This allows attackers to inject javascript code that executes in the browser context of legitimate users who view affected tasks, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation within the platform.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including credential theft through session manipulation, privilege escalation by leveraging user permissions, and potential lateral movement within the platform. Attackers could craft malicious task descriptions containing beaconing code that communicates with external command and control servers, or inject scripts that harvest sensitive information from authenticated sessions. The widespread nature of task creation functionality across Pega platforms means this vulnerability can be exploited at multiple touchpoints within an organization's workflow management system.
Organizations should immediately implement input validation controls that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, deploy proper output encoding mechanisms for dynamic content rendering, and establish comprehensive monitoring for suspicious activity in task creation workflows. Security measures should include implementing Content Security Policy headers to prevent unauthorized script execution, conducting regular security assessments of input validation mechanisms, and ensuring that all Pega Platform instances are updated to versions that have addressed this vulnerability. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1566 for social engineering through malicious content injection in web applications.