CVE-2022-43561 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-79, indicating improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically in Splunk Enterprise versions prior to 8.1.12, 8.2.9, and 9.0.2. The vulnerability affects instances where Splunk Web is enabled. It allows a remote user with the “power” Splunk role to store arbitrary scripts within the application, leading to persistent cross-site scripting (XSS). Persistent XSS occurs when malicious scripts are stored on the server and executed in the browsers of users who access the affected pages. In this case, the attacker must have the “power” role, which is a privileged role in Splunk, typically granted to users with elevated permissions. Exploiting this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the Splunk Web interface, potentially leading to session hijacking, unauthorized actions, credential theft, or the injection of malicious content. The vulnerability arises because input is not properly sanitized or neutralized before being embedded in web pages generated by Splunk Web. Although no known exploits are reported in the wild, the presence of this vulnerability in widely used versions of Splunk Enterprise poses a risk, especially in environments where multiple users access the Splunk Web interface. Splunk Enterprise is a widely deployed platform for operational intelligence and security information and event management (SIEM), making it a valuable target for attackers seeking to compromise monitoring and logging infrastructure. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on November 3, 2022, and fixed in subsequent versions 8.1.12, 8.2.9, and 9.0.2, but no direct patch links are provided in the information. The vulnerability requires authentication with a privileged role, which limits the attack surface but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with many users or where role assignments are not tightly controlled.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-43561 can be significant due to the critical role Splunk Enterprise plays in security monitoring and operational intelligence. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute malicious scripts within the Splunk Web interface, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive security logs, manipulation of monitoring data, or disruption of incident response workflows. This could undermine the integrity and confidentiality of security data, delay detection of other attacks, or facilitate lateral movement within the network. Given the persistent nature of the XSS, attackers could maintain long-term access or implant backdoors in the monitoring environment. The requirement for the “power” role means that insider threats or compromised privileged accounts pose the highest risk. European organizations subject to strict data protection regulations such as GDPR could face compliance risks if sensitive data is exposed or manipulated. Additionally, sectors with high reliance on Splunk for security operations, such as finance, telecommunications, critical infrastructure, and government, may experience amplified operational risks. The vulnerability does not directly impact availability but could indirectly affect it if attackers disrupt monitoring or response capabilities.

1. Upgrade Splunk Enterprise to versions 8.1.12, 8.2.9, or 9.0.2 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. 2. Review and restrict assignment of the “power” role to only trusted and necessary users, implementing the principle of least privilege. 3. Implement strict role-based access controls and regularly audit role assignments and user activities within Splunk. 4. Monitor Splunk Web logs for suspicious activities, such as unexpected script insertions or anomalous user behavior. 5. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers on the Splunk Web interface to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts. 6. Educate administrators and users with elevated privileges about the risks of XSS and safe handling of input within Splunk dashboards or custom scripts. 7. If upgrading immediately is not feasible, consider disabling Splunk Web temporarily or restricting access to it via network segmentation or VPNs to reduce exposure. 8. Conduct penetration testing focused on web interface vulnerabilities to detect any residual or related issues. 9. Maintain an incident response plan that includes procedures for handling potential compromise of monitoring infrastructure.