CVE-2022-4898 : Security Advisory and Response

A Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in Octopus Server could allow an attacker to execute malicious scripts in a user's browser.

Understanding CVE-2022-4898

This CVE identifies a security issue in Octopus Server that could lead to Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2022-4898?

In affected versions of Octopus Server, the help sidebar can be customized to include a Cross-Site Scripting payload in the support link. Even though an initial fix was attempted, it was later discovered that the vulnerability could still be exploited under certain conditions.

The Impact of CVE-2022-4898

This vulnerability could be abused by an attacker to inject and execute malicious scripts in the context of an authenticated user's browser session. Such an attack could lead to unauthorized actions being performed on behalf of the user.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-4898

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper handling of user input in the help sidebar of Octopus Server, allowing malicious scripts to be inserted and executed.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Octopus Deploy
Product: Octopus Server
Affected Versions:
2019.7.0, 2022.3.348, 2022.4.791
Versions less than: 2022.2.8552, 2022.3.10750, 2022.4.8319

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious payload and injecting it into the support link in the help sidebar of the affected Octopus Server instances.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2022-4898, users are advised to update their Octopus Server to the latest version. Additionally, users should avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening attachments from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls (WAFs), conducting regular security assessments, and providing security awareness training to reduce the likelihood of successful XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Octopus Deploy has released patches to address the vulnerability. Users are strongly encouraged to apply these patches promptly to safeguard their systems.