CVE-2022-34254 is a vulnerability classified as an Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory (CWE-22) affecting Adobe Magento Commerce versions 2.4.3-p2 and earlier, 2.3.7-p3 and earlier, and 2.4.4 and earlier. This vulnerability allows a low-privileged attacker to exploit a path traversal flaw in the Magento Commerce platform. By manipulating the pathname input to a vulnerable endpoint, the attacker can bypass directory restrictions and access arbitrary local files on the server. Additionally, the attacker can inject malicious scripts, leading to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. Notably, exploitation does not require any user interaction, which increases the risk of automated or remote exploitation. The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation or sanitization of user-supplied input that controls file paths, enabling traversal outside the intended directories. This can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive files, such as configuration files or credentials, and persistent XSS that can compromise the integrity of the web application and the confidentiality of user data. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the medium severity rating reflects the potential for significant impact if exploited. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Magento Commerce, a widely used e-commerce platform, which increases the attack surface for threat actors targeting online retail environments.

For European organizations, especially those operating e-commerce platforms using Adobe Magento Commerce, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Unauthorized local file access can lead to exposure of sensitive business information, customer data, and internal configuration files, potentially violating GDPR and other data protection regulations. Stored XSS can allow attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of users’ browsers, leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or distribution of malware. This can damage brand reputation, cause financial losses, and result in regulatory penalties. The lack of required user interaction means attacks can be automated and scaled, increasing the likelihood of widespread exploitation. Organizations relying on Magento Commerce for critical sales infrastructure may face service disruptions or data breaches, impacting business continuity and customer trust. Furthermore, the e-commerce sector in Europe is a frequent target for cybercriminals, making timely remediation essential to mitigate risks.

Organizations should immediately verify their Magento Commerce version and apply the latest security patches or updates provided by Adobe once available. In the absence of patches, implement strict input validation and sanitization on all endpoints handling file paths to prevent path traversal. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) configured to detect and block path traversal patterns and suspicious payloads targeting Magento endpoints. Conduct thorough code reviews and penetration testing focusing on file handling and input validation mechanisms. Limit file system permissions for the web server user to restrict access to only necessary directories, minimizing potential damage from exploitation. Monitor logs for unusual file access patterns or injection attempts. Additionally, implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to mitigate the impact of XSS attacks. Educate development and security teams about this vulnerability to ensure rapid response and remediation. Regularly back up critical data and have an incident response plan tailored for web application attacks.