CVE-2024-22717 in Form Tools
Summary
by MITRE • 04/11/2024
Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Form Tools 3.1.1 allows attackers to run arbitrary code via the First Name field in the application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2025
The CVE-2024-22717 vulnerability represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within Form Tools version 3.1.1 that exposes applications to persistent code execution risks. This vulnerability specifically targets the First Name field input parameter, which serves as an entry point for malicious actors to inject harmful scripts into the application's data processing pipeline. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before it is rendered back to other users within the application interface. This flaw operates under the broader category of CWE-79 which defines cross site scripting as a weakness where applications fail to properly validate or escape user-controllable data that is subsequently rendered in web pages. The vulnerability classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which describes social engineering tactics that leverage web application vulnerabilities to deliver malicious payloads to end users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious script code through the First Name field during form submission. When the application processes this input without proper sanitization, the malicious code becomes embedded within the application's database or session storage. Subsequent page loads or data displays that render this stored information back to other users trigger the execution of the injected script. This creates a persistent XSS vector that can be leveraged for session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious domains. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks including man-in-the-middle operations, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation within the application's user context. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the First Name field is commonly used in forms and user interfaces, making it a frequent target for exploitation.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe for organizations relying on Form Tools 3.1.1 for form management and data collection. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, which would allow them to impersonate legitimate users and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or administrative functions. The persistent nature of the stored XSS means that the vulnerability remains active until properly patched, potentially allowing attackers to maintain long-term access to the application environment. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues if user data is compromised, particularly in environments governed by standards such as gdpr or hipaa where data protection is paramount. The vulnerability also poses risks to application availability as malicious scripts could potentially cause application crashes or performance degradation through resource exhaustion attacks. Additionally, the compromised application environment can serve as a launching point for broader network attacks, making this vulnerability a critical security concern that requires immediate remediation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-22717 should prioritize immediate patching of the Form Tools application to version 3.1.2 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing or storage, particularly focusing on the First Name field and similar input parameters. The implementation of content security policies can provide additional protection layers by restricting script execution and limiting the scope of potential XSS attacks. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Input field validation should enforce strict character set restrictions and length limits to prevent injection attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious script injection attempts. The security team should establish monitoring protocols to detect anomalous user behavior or unexpected data modifications that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious links or unexpected script executions that may be part of broader exploitation campaigns targeting the vulnerable application.