CVE-2024-52838 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 by an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the victim's browser session. By manipulating a DOM element through a crafted URL or user input, the attacker can inject malicious scripts that run when the page is rendered. This type of attack requires user interaction, as the victim would need to visit a malicious link or input data into a compromised form.
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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 threat to web application security. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. The flaw exists in how the application processes user-supplied input within the Document Object Model, creating an attack surface where malicious scripts can be injected and executed within the victim's browser context. The vulnerability specifically affects the way the system handles dynamic DOM manipulation and input validation, allowing attackers to craft malicious URLs or user inputs that bypass existing security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to manipulate DOM elements through carefully crafted input that gets processed and rendered without proper sanitization. When a victim visits a maliciously constructed URL or submits data through a compromised form, the application fails to adequately validate or escape the input before incorporating it into the DOM structure. This creates a persistent execution environment where attacker-controlled JavaScript code can run with the privileges of the authenticated user session. The vulnerability's DOM-based nature means that the malicious script injection occurs within the browser's DOM rather than through server-side processing, making traditional server-side input validation ineffective against this specific attack vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the victim's browser session. Successful exploitation allows for session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and potentially full account compromise when users have elevated privileges. The requirement for user interaction makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in targeted phishing campaigns or when users are tricked into visiting malicious links within trusted applications. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, access sensitive content, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users, making it a critical concern for organizations relying on Adobe Experience Manager for content management and digital experience platforms.
Organizations must implement immediate mitigations including updating to Adobe Experience Manager versions that address this vulnerability, implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. The remediation strategy should include thorough code reviews focusing on DOM manipulation functions, implementation of Content Security Policy headers, and regular security testing to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should be strengthened to reduce the risk of successful social engineering attacks that could exploit this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns consistent with XSS attacks and maintain detailed audit logs to track potential exploitation attempts.