CVE-2024-43720 in Experience Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 12/11/2024
Adobe Experience Manager versions 6.5.21 and earlier are affected by a DOM-based Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability that could be exploited to execute arbitrary code in the context of the victim's browser session. By manipulating the DOM environment in the victim's browser, an attacker can inject malicious scripts that are executed by the victim's browser. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction, typically in the form of following a malicious link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/19/2025
Adobe Experience Manager versions 6.5.21 and earlier contain a critical DOM-based cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a significant security risk for organizations relying on this content management platform. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The flaw exists in how the application processes user input within the Document Object Model environment, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of legitimate user sessions. The vulnerability specifically affects the client-side processing of parameters that are directly manipulated within the browser's DOM structure, bypassing traditional server-side input validation mechanisms.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction through malicious links or web pages that contain crafted payloads designed to manipulate DOM elements. When victims click on these links or visit compromised pages, the malicious scripts are executed within their browser session, potentially allowing attackers to perform actions as if they were the authenticated user. The DOM-based nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious code is injected directly into the page's structure rather than being stored on the server, making it particularly challenging to detect through conventional security scanning methods. Attackers can leverage this to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions, redirect users to malicious sites, or even execute more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft or data exfiltration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to complete compromise of user sessions and potential access to sensitive organizational data. Organizations using Adobe Experience Manager in production environments face significant risk if this vulnerability remains unpatched, as it enables attackers to escalate privileges and perform actions that would normally require legitimate authentication. The vulnerability's reliance on user interaction makes it particularly dangerous in targeted phishing campaigns where attackers craft convincing malicious links designed to exploit this specific DOM manipulation flaw. Security teams must consider the implications for their web application security posture and the potential for this vulnerability to serve as a stepping stone for more extensive attacks within their network infrastructure.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of Adobe Experience Manager installations to address this vulnerability, as the risk of exploitation increases with time. The recommended mitigation strategy includes applying the latest security patches provided by Adobe, implementing strict input validation on all user-facing parameters, and monitoring web application logs for suspicious activity related to DOM manipulation attempts. Additional protective measures should include deploying content security policies, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation vectors. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to help staff recognize and avoid potentially malicious links that could exploit this vulnerability, while ensuring that security monitoring systems are configured to detect anomalous DOM behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.