CVE-2022-37431 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A Reflected Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability has been identified in dotCMS Core through version 22.06, specifically affecting the admin portal when XSS_PROTECTION_ENABLED=false. The vendor disputes this due to the product behavior having XSS_PROTECTION_ENABLED=true in all configurations.

Understanding CVE-2022-37431

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2022-37431 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2022-37431?

CVE-2022-37431 is a Reflected Cross-site scripting (XSS) flaw found in dotCMS Core versions up to 22.06. It can be exploited in the admin portal when XSS_PROTECTION_ENABLED=false.

The Impact of CVE-2022-37431

The impact of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute malicious scripts in the context of an authenticated user's session, potentially leading to sensitive data theft or unauthorized actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-37431

Let's explore the technical aspects of CVE-2022-37431 further.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper input validation in the admin portal of dotCMS Core, enabling attackers to inject and execute arbitrary scripts.

Affected Systems and Versions

dotCMS Core versions up to 22.06 are confirmed to be impacted by this XSS vulnerability when XSS_PROTECTION_ENABLED=false.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the XSS vulnerability with XSS_PROTECTION_ENABLED=false, threat actors can craft malicious links that, when clicked by an authenticated user, execute unauthorized scripts.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems against CVE-2022-37431 is crucial. Here are some mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Enable XSS protection mechanisms in dotCMS Core configurations.
Regularly monitor and review admin portal activities for any suspicious behavior.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate users on safe browsing practices to mitigate the risk of XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by dotCMS to address the CVE-2022-37431 vulnerability.