CVE-2023-48485 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 content management and digital marketing operations. The platform's architecture includes multiple administrative interfaces and content management capabilities that handle sensitive user interactions and data processing. This vulnerability exists within the client-side JavaScript execution environment of the AEM interface, specifically within the DOM manipulation functions that process user-provided input. The affected versions through 6.5.18 contain insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before they are rendered in the browser context. The vulnerability stems from the platform's failure to adequately escape or filter dynamic content that originates from URL parameters or other user-controlled sources, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject persistent script code into the victim's browsing session.
The technical exploitation of this DOM-based cross-site scripting vulnerability occurs when a maliciously crafted URL is constructed with embedded JavaScript payload within query parameters or path segments. When a victim with appropriate privileges navigates to such a malicious URL, the browser executes the injected script within the legitimate AEM application context, effectively bypassing traditional security boundaries. The DOM-based nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious code does not need to be stored on the server; instead, it leverages the existing DOM structure to execute within the victim's browser environment. This execution context provides attackers with the ability to access session cookies, manipulate the DOM content, steal sensitive information, or perform actions on behalf of the authenticated user. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the privileged nature of AEM administrators who typically possess elevated access rights and can perform critical system operations.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple script execution, as it represents a significant compromise to the integrity and confidentiality of enterprise digital environments. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to administrative functions, modify content, extract sensitive data, or establish persistent access points within the AEM ecosystem. The low-privilege attacker requirement makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by individuals with minimal access rights who may have obtained legitimate credentials through social engineering or other means. Organizations utilizing AEM platforms face potential data breaches, content tampering, and service disruption that could affect customer experience, brand reputation, and regulatory compliance. The vulnerability's presence in the administrative interface creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges and move laterally within the enterprise network infrastructure. This risk is compounded by the fact that AEM systems often integrate with other enterprise applications and databases, potentially creating additional attack vectors.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the latest security patches released by Adobe, which address the specific DOM-based XSS vulnerability through enhanced input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content security policies should be configured to detect and block malicious URL patterns. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential exploitation vectors and ensure proper input sanitization across all AEM components. The implementation of proper secure coding practices and regular security training for developers working with AEM platforms can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future versions. Additionally, monitoring and logging of user activities within the AEM administrative interfaces should be enhanced to detect suspicious behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a variant that operates within the DOM context rather than server-side processing, making it particularly challenging to detect and prevent through traditional security controls. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for script-based execution within browser environments, highlighting the need for comprehensive browser security measures and user awareness training.