CVE-2022-29584 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2022-29584, a vulnerability found in Mahara versions before 20.10.5, 21.04.4, 21.10.2, and 22.04.0 that allows stored XSS attacks. Learn about the impact, technical details, mitigation steps, and more.

Understanding CVE-2022-29584

CVE-2022-29584 is a security vulnerability identified in Mahara versions before 20.10.5, 21.04.4, 21.10.2, and 22.04.0. The vulnerability enables stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks when a specific Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) class for embedly is utilized, allowing malicious JavaScript code execution.

What is CVE-2022-29584?

Mahara before versions 20.10.5, 21.04.4, 21.10.2, and 22.04.0 is susceptible to stored XSS attacks due to improper handling of CSS class for embedly, enabling the execution of malicious JavaScript code leading to potential unauthorized actions.

The Impact of CVE-2022-29584

This vulnerability could be exploited by remote attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts within the context of the target user's session. Successful exploitation may result in unauthorized access, data theft, or other malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-29584

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Mahara versions before 20.10.5, 21.04.4, 21.10.2, and 22.04.0 allows an attacker to insert malicious JavaScript code by leveraging a specific CSS class for embedly, leading to stored XSS attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Mahara versions before 20.10.5, 21.04.4, 21.10.2, and 22.04.0 are affected by this vulnerability. Users are advised to update to the latest patched versions to mitigate the risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting JavaScript code within the targeted CSS class, which gets executed in the context of the user's session, enabling the execution of unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Users of Mahara are strongly advised to update their installations to versions 20.10.5, 21.04.4, 21.10.2, or 22.04.0 to address this vulnerability and prevent potential XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices, input validation, and output encoding techniques to prevent XSS vulnerabilities in web applications. Regular security audits and monitoring are essential to identify and mitigate security risks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that your Mahara installation is regularly updated with the latest security patches and fixes to protect against known vulnerabilities and security threats.