CVE-2023-44770 in Zenario
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
A Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Zenario CMS v.9.4.59197 allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code via a crafted script to the Organizer - Spare alias.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2023-44770 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Zenario CMS version 9.4.59197 that specifically targets the Organizer module's Spare alias functionality. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the CMS's administrative interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject persistent script code into the application's data handling processes. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker crafts a malicious script payload and submits it through the Organizer Spare alias parameter, which then gets stored and executed in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical exploitation of this XSS vulnerability follows a typical pattern where the CMS fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it within web pages. The Organizer module's Spare alias field accepts arbitrary string input without adequate sanitization measures, allowing attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that persists in the application's database. When authenticated users access pages containing the malicious content, their browsers execute the injected scripts, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. This vulnerability is classified as a CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which directly maps to the common web application security misconfigurations that enable persistent XSS attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-44770 extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the compromised environment. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal administrative sessions, modify content, or establish backdoor access points within the CMS infrastructure. The persistent nature of the vulnerability means that once exploited, the malicious scripts remain active until manually removed from the system, creating ongoing security risks for all users interacting with the affected CMS installation. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001: Phishing, as it enables attackers to craft convincing malicious payloads that appear legitimate within the CMS context.
Organizations running Zenario CMS version 9.4.59197 should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. The primary remediation involves updating to the latest available version of Zenario CMS that includes proper input validation and output encoding fixes for the Organizer module. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against script execution, while regular input validation checks should be enforced across all user-supplied data fields. Network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious input patterns that match known XSS attack signatures, and regular security audits should verify that all CMS components are properly patched and configured according to security best practices. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date web application security measures and proper input sanitization protocols within content management systems to prevent persistent security breaches.