CVE-2024-50849 in WordServer
Summary
by MITRE • 11/18/2024
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) in the "Rules" functionality in WordServer 11.8.2 allows a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-50849 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the WordServer 11.8.2 application that specifically targets the "Rules" functionality. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 as an improper neutralization of input during web output, making it a prime candidate for malicious exploitation by threat actors. The flaw exists in the application's handling of user-supplied input within the rules management interface, where insufficient sanitization or validation allows malicious scripts to be injected and subsequently executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability requires only authenticated access to exploit, significantly reducing the attack surface and making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative privileges are compromised.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user input before rendering it within web pages. When administrators or authorized users interact with the Rules functionality, the system processes input parameters without adequate filtering mechanisms that would normally prevent script execution. This oversight creates an environment where an authenticated attacker can craft malicious payloads that, when processed by the application, will execute within the browser context of other users who view the affected content. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution to potentially allow full session hijacking, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation within the application's security boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-50849 is severe and multifaceted, particularly in enterprise environments where WordServer is deployed for document management and workflow automation. Once exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on behalf of authenticated users, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, steal sensitive data, modify document rules, or manipulate workflow processes that could affect business operations. The authenticated nature of the attack means that attackers need only acquire valid credentials, which are often obtained through social engineering, credential theft, or other initial compromise techniques, making the attack vector particularly insidious. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for credential harvesting and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-50849 should prioritize immediate patching of the WordServer application to the latest version that addresses the XSS vulnerability in the Rules functionality. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms across all user-facing interfaces, particularly those handling dynamic content generation. Network segmentation and privileged access controls should be enforced to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include thorough examination of web application interfaces for similar input validation flaws. Additionally, implementing content security policies and regular monitoring of user activity logs can help detect and respond to exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input sanitization in web applications, particularly in enterprise software environments where the consequences of exploitation can be catastrophic.