CVE-2023-48476 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 represents a comprehensive digital experience platform that serves as a cornerstone for enterprise web content management and digital asset handling. This platform processes numerous user inputs and dynamically generates web content, making it a prime target for various web application vulnerabilities. The specific vulnerability under analysis affects versions 6.5.18 and earlier, which indicates a significant portion of the installed base remains at risk. The affected system operates within enterprise environments where users frequently interact with rich web interfaces, making the potential attack surface particularly concerning for organizations managing sensitive digital assets and user data.
The vulnerability manifests as a DOM-based cross-site scripting flaw that operates within the browser's Document Object Model rather than traditional server-side input handling. This particular variant of XSS occurs when malicious JavaScript code is executed in the victim's browser context without requiring server-side processing of the malicious input. The attack vector involves crafting a specially constructed URL that, when visited by an unsuspecting user, triggers the execution of malicious scripts within the legitimate AEM application's context. The DOM-based nature means that the vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-provided data within JavaScript code that manipulates the page's DOM structure, making it particularly challenging to detect and prevent through traditional input sanitization approaches.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it allows attackers to perform actions within the victim's browser session with the privileges of the authenticated user. This creates potential for session hijacking, data theft, and unauthorized modifications to content within the AEM environment. The low-privileged attacker requirement means that even users with minimal access rights can potentially exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple user roles exist. The vulnerability essentially provides a pathway for attackers to escalate their privileges and access restricted areas of the digital experience platform, potentially compromising the integrity of the entire content management ecosystem.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation efforts by upgrading to Adobe Experience Manager versions that address this vulnerability, as patching represents the most effective mitigation strategy. Security teams should implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious URL patterns and user behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth, though they may not fully prevent DOM-based XSS attacks due to their nature. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws, and specifically relates to ATT&CK technique T1531 which covers "Modify System Image" through the execution of malicious scripts within user browsers. Regular security awareness training for users and administrators remains crucial, particularly in recognizing phishing attempts that might deliver malicious URLs designed to exploit this vulnerability.