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Security vulnerabilities in workplace applications can lead to significant risks for organizations if they are not promptly detected and mitigated. A recently discovered stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in VMware Workspace ONE Boxer, a popular business email and calendar application, highlights the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and keeping software updated.

This post delves into the details of CVE-2022-22944, a stored XSS vulnerability in VMware Workspace ONE Boxer, providing insights into the underlying issue, the possible consequences of exploitation, and the relevant patches to mitigate this threat. We will be using simple American language to ensure broad understanding and exclusive content to provide an all-encompassing perspective on the issue.

Exploit Details

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The vulnerability, known as CVE-2022-22944, is due to insufficient sanitization and validation processes in VMware Workspace ONE Boxer when handling calendar event descriptions.

Given that the application does not properly screen the content of these descriptions, a malicious actor can inject script tags to execute arbitrary code in the context of a victim's browser when they open the event. In other words, an attacker can take advantage of this security weakness to potentially gather sensitive information, hijack sessions, or manipulate data accessible through the user's account.

Here's a simple code snipplet that demonstrates the vulnerability

<!-- Malicious user injects this script tag in the event description -->
<script>
alert('XSS Attack');
</script>

If a user opens an event with this malicious script in VMware Workspace ONE Boxer, they would see an alert popup with the text 'XSS Attack,' indicating that the attacker's code has executed within their application.

Original References

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For those who are interested in further understanding the technicalities and implications of CVE-2022-22944, we recommend reviewing the following resources:

1. NVD - National Vulnerability Database: CVE-2022-22944 (Provides the vulnerability summary, severity score, and related technical information)
2. VMware Security Advisory: VMSA-2022-0002 (Offers comprehensive insights on the affected products, releases, and mitigation steps)
3. VMware Knowledge Base: KB87084 (Delivers technical guidance on workarounds and best practices for administrators who wish to minimize the impact of this vulnerability)

Mitigation Steps

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To address CVE-2022-22944, VMware released patches for Workspace ONE Boxer on various platforms. If you are running the application, we encourage you to apply the appropriate updates as soon as possible to mitigate the risk.

iOS: Update to Boxer 22.02.1 or later

Additionally, organizations should implement safe coding practices and application security testing methodologies to reduce the likelihood of security vulnerabilities. Regularly updating and patching business applications can significantly reduce the risk of exploiting any security weaknesses.

Conclusion

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CVE-2022-22944 serves as a reminder that security vulnerabilities can manifest in otherwise reputable and widely used workplace applications, such as VMware Workspace ONE Boxer. Developers and admins must be vigilant in mitigating these risks through effective coding principles, constant patch updates, and awareness of the continuously shifting threat landscape.

By staying informed about new vulnerabilities, their consequences, and potential remediations, we can act together to build a more secure and resilient digital environment for all users.

Timeline

Published on: 03/02/2022 21:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 03/09/2022 21:05:00 UTC