CVE-2024-23640 in GeoServer
Summary
by MITRE • 03/20/2024
GeoServer is an open source software server written in Java that allows users to share and edit geospatial data. A stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability exists in versions prior to 2.23.3 and 2.24.0 that enables an authenticated administrator with workspace-level privileges to store a JavaScript payload in uploaded style/legend resources or in a specially crafted datastore file that will execute in the context of another user's browser when viewed in the Style Publisher. Access to the Style Publisher is available to all users although data security may limit users' ability to trigger the XSS. Versions 2.23.3 and 2.24.0 contain a fix for this issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-23640 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw in GeoServer, a widely-used open-source geospatial data server platform. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 2.23.3 and 2.24.0, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on the platform for spatial data management and sharing. The flaw resides in how GeoServer processes and stores style/legend resources or datastore files, allowing malicious actors to inject persistent JavaScript payloads that execute in the browsers of other users. The vulnerability requires an authenticated administrator with workspace-level privileges to exploit, making it less accessible than some other XSS flaws but still highly concerning given the privileged access required. The attack vector involves storing malicious JavaScript code within uploaded resources or specially crafted datastore files, which then executes when other users view these elements through the Style Publisher interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within GeoServer's resource handling mechanisms. When administrators upload style or legend files, or when datastore configurations are processed, the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied content before storing it in a manner that will be later rendered in web browsers. This creates a persistent XSS condition where the malicious code becomes embedded within the application's stored data and executes whenever affected resources are accessed. The vulnerability manifests specifically within the Style Publisher component, which serves as the interface for viewing and managing style resources. The flaw operates under CWE-79, which defines cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as weaknesses that occur when an application fails to properly validate or escape user-supplied data before including it in web pages served to other users. The attack requires a specific privilege level but leverages the trust relationship between the GeoServer application and its users to deliver malicious payloads.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-23640 extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges, steal session cookies, or redirect users to malicious websites. An attacker with workspace-level privileges can craft payloads that execute in the context of other administrators or regular users who access the Style Publisher, potentially compromising the entire geospatial data management environment. The vulnerability's exploitation requires access to the GeoServer administrative interface, which means it could be leveraged by insiders or compromised accounts with appropriate permissions. Organizations using GeoServer in production environments face significant risk, particularly those with multiple users accessing the Style Publisher interface, as the XSS payload could be triggered by any user with sufficient access rights to view the maliciously crafted resources. The attack could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive geospatial data, modification of spatial configurations, or complete compromise of the GeoServer instance.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-23640 center on immediate version upgrades to 2.23.3 or 2.24.0, which contain the necessary patches to address the stored XSS vulnerability. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected GeoServer versions and prioritize upgrades accordingly, especially in environments where workspace-level privileges are granted to multiple users. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit who can access the Style Publisher interface, reducing the attack surface. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file uploads or resource modifications that might indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1566, which covers phishing and social engineering techniques, as attackers may need to gain initial access through credential compromise or privilege escalation before exploiting the stored XSS condition. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in the broader geospatial data infrastructure, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output sanitization in web-based applications handling user-supplied content.