CVE-2023-48496 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A Cross-site Scripting (DOM-based XSS) vulnerability has been identified in Adobe Experience Manager versions 6.5.18 and earlier, posing a medium severity threat to affected systems. This article explores the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies associated with CVE-2023-48496.

Understanding CVE-2023-48496

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability and its implications.

What is CVE-2023-48496?

The vulnerability resides in Adobe Experience Manager versions 6.5.18 and prior, enabling malicious JavaScript execution when a victim accesses a compromised page via a URL crafted by a low-privileged attacker. The attacker can manipulate client-side scripts to perform unauthorized actions on behalf of the user.

The Impact of CVE-2023-48496

With a CVSS base score of 5.4 (Medium severity), this vulnerability can result in unauthorized data access, content manipulation, or cookie theft scenarios, potentially leading to further exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-48496

This section elaborates on the technical aspects and characteristics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Adobe Experience Manager's

libs/clientlibs/social/enablement/core/jquery.buttonEnabler.js

file is susceptible to DOM-based XSS attacks, allowing threat actors to inject and execute malicious scripts within the victim's browser context.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Adobe Experience Manager versions 6.5.18 and earlier iterations, exposing systems operating on these versions to potential exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves directing a user to a crafted URL referencing a vulnerable page, thereby triggering the execution of malicious JavaScript code within the victim's browser, with the possibility of further compromising sensitive data.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-48496.

Immediate Steps to Take

Affected organizations should apply security updates promptly, educate users about safe browsing practices, and monitor web traffic for suspicious activities to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular security audits, and employing content security policies can help prevent future XSS vulnerabilities and strengthen overall cybersecurity posture.

Patching and Updates

Adobe has released security updates to address the vulnerability. Affected users are advised to install the latest patches provided by Adobe to remediate the DOM XSS issue.