CVE-2022-45020 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in Rukovoditel version 3.2.1, a web-based project management and CRM application. The vulnerability is a DOM-based Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) flaw located in the /rukovoditel/index.php?module=users/login component. DOM-based XSS occurs when client-side scripts write untrusted data to the Document Object Model (DOM) without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of the victim's browser. In this case, the vulnerability can be triggered via a crafted GET request, which manipulates the DOM in the login module. While the primary impact of DOM-based XSS is often the execution of arbitrary scripts leading to session hijacking or data theft, this particular vulnerability has been observed to cause Denial of Service (DoS) conditions. The DoS effect likely arises from the injected script causing the browser or application to crash or become unresponsive. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 reflects a high severity, with an attack vector of network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The scope is changed (S:C), indicating that the vulnerability affects components beyond the initially vulnerable module. The impact metrics show low confidentiality and integrity impact (C:L, I:L) but high availability impact (A:H), consistent with the DoS effect. No patches or known exploits in the wild have been reported as of the publication date (December 5, 2022). The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, which covers improper neutralization of input during web page generation leading to XSS. Given that Rukovoditel is a web application used for project and customer management, exploitation could disrupt business operations by denying access to the application or potentially enabling further attacks if combined with other vulnerabilities or social engineering.

For European organizations using Rukovoditel 3.2.1, this vulnerability poses a significant risk primarily through service disruption. The DoS effect can prevent users from accessing critical project management and CRM functionalities, impacting productivity and operational continuity. Although the confidentiality and integrity impacts are rated low, the changed scope and the nature of DOM-based XSS mean that attackers could potentially escalate the attack or use it as a foothold for further exploitation, especially if combined with phishing or social engineering targeting users to trigger the malicious GET requests. Organizations in sectors with high reliance on continuous access to project management tools—such as manufacturing, engineering, and IT services—may experience operational delays and financial losses. Additionally, the requirement for user interaction means that phishing campaigns or malicious links could be used to exploit this vulnerability, increasing the risk of targeted attacks. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits over time. The vulnerability could also affect third-party service providers or partners using Rukovoditel, potentially impacting supply chain security.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting access to the vulnerable login module via network-level controls such as web application firewalls (WAFs) configured to detect and block suspicious GET requests containing script payloads targeting the /rukovoditel/index.php?module=users/login path. 2. Implement strict Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of inline scripts and reduce the impact of DOM-based XSS. 3. Conduct thorough input validation and sanitization on all client-side scripts handling URL parameters in the login module to prevent injection of malicious scripts. 4. Educate users to avoid clicking on suspicious links or GET requests that could trigger the vulnerability, especially in email or messaging contexts. 5. Monitor application logs and network traffic for unusual GET requests or error patterns indicating attempted exploitation or DoS conditions. 6. Engage with the Rukovoditel community or vendor to obtain patches or updates addressing this vulnerability; if unavailable, consider upgrading to newer versions or alternative solutions. 7. For organizations unable to immediately patch, consider isolating the affected application environment and limiting user privileges to reduce exposure. 8. Regularly review and update incident response plans to include scenarios involving DOM-based XSS and DoS attacks on critical web applications.