CVE-2022-40840 is a Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the NdkAdvancedCustomizationFields component version 3.5.0, specifically via the createPdf.php script. XSS vulnerabilities occur when an application includes untrusted data in a web page without proper validation or escaping, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts. In this case, the vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the affected web application. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.1, indicating a medium severity level. The vector string (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N) reveals that the attack can be performed remotely over the network without privileges, requires low attack complexity, and needs user interaction (UI:R). The scope is changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability affects resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. The impact affects confidentiality and integrity at a low level, with no impact on availability. No patches or vendor information are currently available, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, which corresponds to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, a common XSS category. The lack of vendor and product details limits precise identification of affected systems, but the presence of createPdf.php suggests a web application component that generates PDFs dynamically, potentially used in document management or customization platforms. The vulnerability could be exploited by tricking users into clicking crafted links or submitting malicious input, leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions within the affected application context.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily to web applications that incorporate the vulnerable NdkAdvancedCustomizationFields 3.5.0 component. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information (confidentiality impact) and manipulation of data or user interactions (integrity impact). While availability is not affected, the ability to execute arbitrary scripts can facilitate phishing, session hijacking, or further attacks on internal networks. Organizations in sectors with high reliance on web-based document customization or PDF generation services, such as legal, financial, or governmental institutions, may face increased risk. The medium severity score suggests that while exploitation requires user interaction, the low complexity and remote attack vector make it feasible for attackers to target users via social engineering or malicious links. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate threat levels but does not preclude future exploitation. European organizations must consider the potential reputational damage and regulatory consequences under GDPR if personal data is compromised through this vulnerability.

1. Conduct an immediate audit to identify any usage of NdkAdvancedCustomizationFields 3.5.0 or related components in web applications, focusing on those utilizing createPdf.php or similar PDF generation scripts. 2. Implement strict input validation and output encoding on all user-supplied data, especially in parameters processed by createPdf.php, to neutralize malicious scripts. 3. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts within affected web applications. 4. Educate users about the risks of clicking on unsolicited links and encourage reporting of suspicious activities to reduce successful exploitation via social engineering. 5. Monitor web application logs for unusual requests or patterns indicative of attempted XSS attacks targeting createPdf.php endpoints. 6. If possible, isolate or sandbox the vulnerable component to limit the scope of impact. 7. Engage with software vendors or developers to obtain patches or updates addressing this vulnerability. 8. Consider deploying Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block XSS payloads targeting the affected scripts. 9. Review and enhance incident response plans to quickly address potential exploitation scenarios involving XSS attacks.