Exposed MergeMetadataServlet Cross-Site Scripting Scanner

The Exposed MergeMetadataServlet is a part of the AEM CMS, used widely in various digital and marketing platforms for managing content. It is often utilized by organizations to streamline metadata processes within digital asset management (DAM) systems, especially for managing complex media assets. Developers and content managers use this servlet to apply consistent metadata across different digital files, improving workflow efficiency. The servlet is integral for managing large files and ensuring consistent metadata tagging across datasets. This functionality aids businesses in leveraging their digital assets for marketing, operational workflows, and customer engagement. However, the servlet needs proper security configurations to prevent potential exposure to vulnerabilities.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in applications like the Exposed MergeMetadataServlet allow attackers to inject malicious scripts. These scripts can be executed by unsuspecting users accessing the vulnerable endpoint. XSS vulnerabilities are often exploited to steal cookies, session tokens, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users. This vulnerability undermines user trust and compromises the security integrity of web applications. It is crucial to identify and mitigate such vulnerabilities to protect user data and ensure application security. XSS remains one of the most common and impactful security issues in web applications.

The Exposed MergeMetadataServlet in the AEM CMS displays a specific vulnerability to XSS, particularly when handling URLs appended with crafted payloads. Attackers can manipulate the 'path' parameter within the servlet's URL to inject script tags that execute upon page load. This vulnerability occurs due to inadequate input validation, allowing malicious script execution. Specifically, the servlet fails to sanitize user-provided input properly, leading to XSS exploitation. Discovering and identifying this vulnerability can involve sending payloads containing harmful scripts. Careful validation mechanisms need to be implanted to address this issue.

Exploitation of this vulnerability by attackers could lead to a variety of unfavorable outcomes. Malicious users might extract sensitive information, such as user credentials or session tokens, from compromised users. This can result in unauthorized access to user accounts or admin panels, leading to further exploitation of the web application. XSS attacks could disrupt user sessions or enable attackers to perform actions on behalf of users. Organizations may experience reputational damage and data breaches due to this security flaw. Therefore, addressing the vulnerability swiftly can prevent these potential detrimental effects.

REFERENCES

• https://github.com/0ang3el/aem-hacker
• https://labs.withsecure.com/publications/securing-aem-with-dispatcher