CVE-2024-23643 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 2.23.2 and 2.24.1 that enables an authenticated administrator with workspace-level privileges to store a JavaScript payload in the GeoServer catalog that will execute in the context of another administrator’s browser when viewed in the GWC Seed Form. Access to the GWC Seed Form is limited to full administrators by default and granting non-administrators access to this endpoint is not recommended. Versions 2.23.2 and 2.24.1 contain a fix for this issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-23643 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw in GeoServer, a widely used open source geospatial data server implementation. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 2.23.2 and 2.24.1, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on GeoServer for spatial data management and sharing. The flaw resides in how the software handles user input within the GeoServer catalog, specifically when processing JavaScript payloads that can be stored and subsequently executed in the browser context of other administrators. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only workspace-level privileges to exploit, meaning an attacker with relatively limited access can potentially compromise higher-privilege accounts. This represents a classic privilege escalation vector through stored XSS attacks, where malicious code persists in the application's database and executes whenever affected pages are accessed by authenticated users. The attack surface is further constrained by the fact that access to the GWC Seed Form, where the payload executes, is restricted to full administrators by default, though the vulnerability exists even when this restriction is bypassed or weakened.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within GeoServer's catalog management system. When administrators store geospatial data or configuration parameters, the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied content that may contain malicious JavaScript code. The stored payload executes in the context of another administrator's browser session, leveraging the trusted relationship between the user and the GeoServer interface. This particular XSS variant is classified as stored because the malicious script is permanently saved within the application's data store rather than being reflected in a single HTTP request. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which defines cross-site scripting as a common web application security flaw occurring when untrusted data is sent to a web browser without proper validation or encoding. The attack mechanism follows standard XSS patterns where user-controllable input flows through the application's processing pipeline into the browser without adequate sanitization, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the victim's browser session.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-23643 extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it can enable comprehensive session hijacking and privilege escalation attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially gain full administrative control over the GeoServer instance, access sensitive geospatial datasets, modify or delete critical spatial data, and establish persistent backdoors through the execution of malicious scripts. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple administrators with varying permission levels exist. The GWC Seed Form represents a high-value target because it typically contains administrative functions for managing geospatial data caching and seeding operations, providing attackers with direct access to core GeoServer functionality. This vulnerability can be leveraged for advanced persistent threat campaigns, where attackers establish long-term access to geospatial infrastructure, potentially compromising critical mapping systems, emergency response networks, or location-based services that depend on GeoServer deployments. The impact is amplified in enterprise environments where GeoServer serves as a central component of spatial data infrastructure, potentially affecting multiple downstream applications and services.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to GeoServer versions 2.23.2 or 2.24.1, which contain the necessary patches for this vulnerability. The fix implemented in these versions addresses the root cause through enhanced input validation and output encoding mechanisms that prevent malicious JavaScript from being stored or executed within the application context. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any systems running affected versions and implement proper access controls to limit who can reach the GWC Seed Form functionality. Additional mitigations include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests, establishing network segmentation to isolate GeoServer instances, and conducting regular security audits of stored data within the catalog. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege, ensuring that only essential administrators have access to sensitive administrative functions. Organizations should also consider implementing security monitoring and incident response procedures specifically tailored to detect and respond to XSS attacks in geospatial applications, as these attacks often go undetected for extended periods. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping geospatial software up-to-date and maintaining robust security practices within spatial data infrastructure, particularly given the increasing reliance on location-based services and mapping systems in critical infrastructure operations.