CVE-2024-23819 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 2.23.4 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 user's browser when viewed in the MapML HTML Page. The MapML extension must be installed and access to the MapML HTML Page is available to all users although data security may limit users' ability to trigger the XSS. Versions 2.23.4 and 2.24.1 contain a patch for this issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-23819 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw within GeoServer, a widely deployed open source geospatial data server platform. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 2.23.4 and 2.24.1, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on GeoServer for spatial data management and sharing. The flaw resides in the application's handling of user input within the GeoServer catalog system, where authenticated administrators with workspace-level privileges can inject malicious JavaScript code that persists in the server's database. The vulnerability manifests when this stored payload is subsequently rendered in the MapML HTML Page extension, which executes the malicious code within the browser context of other users who access this page. This particular attack vector leverages the MapML extension's functionality, which is designed to display geospatial data in HTML format, making it a legitimate and commonly used feature that becomes a conduit for malicious activity. The security implications extend beyond simple data exposure since the vulnerability requires authentication but can be exploited by users with relatively low privilege levels, specifically workspace-level access, making it particularly concerning for organizations with less restrictive access controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the GeoServer catalog's data storage mechanisms, where user-supplied content is not properly sanitized or validated before being stored in the database. The flaw aligns with CWE-79, which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a weakness that allows attackers to inject client-side scripts into web applications. The vulnerability is classified as a stored XSS because the malicious payload is permanently stored in the server's database rather than being reflected in a single HTTP request. When the MapML HTML Page extension renders the stored data, the JavaScript code executes in the context of other users' browsers, potentially allowing for session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The attack requires an authenticated user with workspace-level privileges, which means that while the vulnerability is not trivial to exploit, it represents a significant risk when combined with the fact that many organizations may have administrators with broad access rights. The patch implemented in versions 2.23.4 and 2.24.1 addresses the core issue by implementing proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms that prevent malicious scripts from being stored and subsequently executed.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-23819 extends far beyond simple data integrity concerns, potentially affecting the entire security posture of organizations using GeoServer. When exploited, this vulnerability can enable attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the browsers of other users, which can lead to complete session compromise, unauthorized data access, or even lateral movement within an organization's network. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only a workspace-level privilege, which is often granted to users who need to manage spatial data but may not require full administrative access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where privilege escalation is not strictly enforced. Organizations using GeoServer with the MapML extension are at risk of having their geospatial data potentially compromised, as attackers could inject malicious scripts that capture user credentials, redirect users to phishing sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability also presents a risk to data confidentiality, as attackers could potentially access sensitive geospatial information through the execution of malicious scripts that bypass normal access controls. The MapML extension's functionality, which is designed for legitimate purposes such as displaying spatial data in web browsers, becomes a weaponized feature when combined with this vulnerability, creating a sophisticated attack vector that can persist across multiple user sessions.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability by upgrading to GeoServer versions 2.23.4 or 2.24.1, which contain the necessary patches to address the stored XSS flaw. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the updated system to ensure that all MapML functionality continues to operate correctly while maintaining the security fixes. Security teams should also implement monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual administrative activities within the GeoServer catalog and any attempts to modify data that might contain malicious scripts. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict access controls to limit workspace-level privileges to only trusted administrators, conducting regular security audits of the GeoServer configuration, and ensuring that all users have appropriate training on recognizing and reporting suspicious activities. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers Phishing with Malicious Attachments or Links, highlights the importance of network monitoring and user education as part of a comprehensive defense strategy. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls or content security policies that can help prevent the execution of unauthorized scripts even if the underlying vulnerability is not fully patched. Given the nature of geospatial data and the potential for this vulnerability to be used in targeted attacks against specific organizations, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and address any additional vulnerabilities that may exist within the broader geospatial data ecosystem.