CVE-2023-48463 in Experience Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2023
Adobe Experience Manager versions 6.5.18 and earlier are affected by a Cross-site Scripting (DOM-based XSS) vulnerability. If a low-privileged attacker is able to convince a victim to visit a URL referencing a vulnerable page, malicious JavaScript content may be executed within the context of the victim's browser.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2024
Adobe Experience Manager serves as a comprehensive content management platform that enables organizations to create, manage, and deliver digital experiences across multiple channels. The platform's architecture includes numerous administrative interfaces and web-based tools that handle user input through various parameters and URLs. This particular vulnerability exists within the platform's client-side processing mechanisms where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered in the browser context. The DOM-based XSS vulnerability arises when the application dynamically modifies the Document Object Model using untrusted input without adequate validation or encoding measures.
The technical flaw manifests in how the AEM interface processes URL parameters and query strings that are subsequently used to construct dynamic content within the browser environment. When a user navigates to a maliciously crafted URL containing crafted JavaScript payloads, the application's processing logic fails to properly escape or validate these inputs before they are executed within the victim's browser session. This vulnerability specifically affects versions 6.5.18 and earlier, indicating that the issue stems from a regression or incomplete fix in the input handling routines that were introduced in the platform's core scripting and rendering components. The vulnerability is classified as DOM-based XSS because the malicious script is executed in the client-side DOM rather than being reflected in HTTP responses, making it particularly challenging to detect through traditional network-based security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the victim's browser session. Low-privileged attackers who can convince users to visit malicious URLs gain the ability to steal session cookies, modify page content, redirect users to phishing sites, or even escalate their privileges within the application context. The vulnerability particularly affects administrative users who may inadvertently click on malicious links in emails or other communication channels, potentially compromising entire content management workflows. This type of attack can lead to unauthorized content modification, data exfiltration, and the establishment of persistent backdoors within the organization's digital infrastructure. The attack vector requires user interaction through URL navigation, making social engineering a critical component of successful exploitation attempts.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Adobe Experience Manager version 6.5.19 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Security teams should also deploy web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious URL patterns, implement strict input validation for all URL parameters, and conduct comprehensive security testing of all user-facing interfaces. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1531 which covers "Modify Application Configuration" through the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of inline scripts and reduce the impact of potential XSS attacks. Regular security assessments and user awareness training should be conducted to minimize the risk of successful exploitation through social engineering tactics that leverage this vulnerability.