CVE-2022-23646 is a vulnerability affecting the Next.js framework, a popular React-based framework used for building web applications. The issue is classified as a User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information (CWE-451). This vulnerability exists in Next.js versions starting from 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 12.1.0. The root cause is related to the handling of SVG images when the `next.config.js` configuration file includes an `images.domains` array that allows user-provided SVG content from specified image hosts. If the `images.loader` configuration is set to the default loader, the vulnerability is present; however, if a custom loader is used, the vulnerability does not apply. The vulnerability allows an attacker to potentially misrepresent critical UI information by exploiting how SVG images are rendered, which could lead to misleading or malicious content being displayed to users. This could be used in phishing attacks or to trick users into performing unintended actions. The vulnerability was patched in Next.js version 12.1.0. As a workaround, users can modify the `next.config.js` file to use a non-default image loader configuration to mitigate the risk until they can upgrade. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time, and no direct CVSS score is assigned, but the issue is rated as medium severity by the vendor.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant, especially for those relying on Next.js for public-facing or internal web applications that handle user-generated SVG content. The UI misrepresentation could lead to social engineering attacks, where users are deceived by maliciously crafted SVG images that appear legitimate. This can result in unauthorized actions, data leakage, or compromised user trust. Sectors such as finance, e-commerce, healthcare, and government services, which often use Next.js for their web portals, could be targeted to exploit this vulnerability for phishing or fraud. Additionally, organizations that allow user-generated content or third-party image hosting are at higher risk. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise system integrity or availability, the potential for misleading UI elements can undermine security controls and user confidence, indirectly affecting operational security and compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should: 1) Immediately upgrade Next.js to version 12.1.0 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. 2) If upgrading is not immediately feasible, modify the `next.config.js` configuration to use a custom `images.loader` setting instead of the default loader, effectively disabling the vulnerable code path. 3) Review and restrict the `images.domains` array to only trusted domains that do not allow user-provided SVG content or sanitize SVG inputs rigorously before rendering. 4) Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the sources of images and scripts, reducing the risk of malicious content injection. 5) Conduct security awareness training for developers and content managers about the risks of user-generated SVG content and UI misrepresentation attacks. 6) Monitor web application logs and user reports for suspicious UI behavior or phishing attempts that could be related to this vulnerability. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on configuration changes, input validation, and operational monitoring specific to this vulnerability.