CVE-2024-53965 in Experience Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 02/05/2025
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 a low privileged 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 access a manipulated link or input data into a vulnerable page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2025
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, specifically manifesting as a DOM-based XSS flaw that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the browser's Document Object Model. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data within the AEM application's client-side processing mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs or manipulating user input fields that are subsequently processed by the browser's DOM without proper sanitization, creating an execution environment where attacker-controlled scripts can run with the privileges of the victim's browser session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the victim's browser context. This includes session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and potentially more severe attacks such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within the application. The attack vector requires user interaction, meaning that victims must actively access a crafted malicious link or submit data to a vulnerable page for the exploit to succeed. However, this requirement does not diminish the threat level, as social engineering campaigns can effectively manipulate users into clicking malicious links or entering compromised data. The low privilege requirement for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers with minimal access rights to the system.
Organizations utilizing Adobe Experience Manager 6.5.21 and earlier versions face significant exposure to this vulnerability, particularly in environments where user-generated content or external links are processed within the application. The DOM-based nature of the vulnerability means that traditional server-side input validation may not be sufficient to prevent exploitation, as the attack occurs within the browser's client-side execution environment. Security professionals should consider implementing comprehensive monitoring and detection mechanisms to identify potential exploitation attempts, including monitoring for suspicious URL patterns and anomalous user behavior. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1566 for social engineering and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, demonstrating how this flaw can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attack chains. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as Adobe has released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers, thorough input validation, and regular security assessments can help mitigate the risk of exploitation while awaiting full patch deployment.