CVE-2023-48549 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Adobe Experience Manager versions 6.5.18 and earlier are affected by a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability that could be exploited by a low-privileged attacker to inject malicious scripts into vulnerable form fields. This vulnerability could lead to the execution of malicious JavaScript in a victim's browser when they visit the page containing the vulnerable field.

Understanding CVE-2023-48549

This section will provide an in-depth look into the CVE-2023-48549 vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-48549?

The CVE-2023-48549 vulnerability is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) flaw present in Adobe Experience Manager versions 6.5.18 and earlier. It allows low-privileged attackers to insert malicious scripts into vulnerable form fields, enabling the execution of harmful JavaScript in victims' browsers.

The Impact of CVE-2023-48549

The impact of this vulnerability includes the potential for attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of a user's session, leading to various security risks and possible data leakage.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-48549

This section will delve into the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability resides in

/libs/granite/ui/components/coral/foundation/clientlibs/foundation/js/anchor/anchor.js

in Adobe Experience Manager versions 6.5.18 and earlier, allowing for the injection of malicious scripts into form fields.

Affected Systems and Versions

Adobe Experience Manager versions up to and including 6.5.18 are affected by this stored XSS vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Low-privileged attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into vulnerable form fields, leading to the execution of harmful JavaScript upon user interaction.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section will outline steps to mitigate the CVE-2023-48549 vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Adobe users should update to the latest patched version of Adobe Experience Manager to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Disable scripting capabilities within vulnerable form fields to prevent unauthorized script injections.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories from Adobe to stay informed about any emerging vulnerabilities.
Conduct regular security audits of web applications to identify and address any XSS vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely application of security patches and updates provided by Adobe to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.