CVE-2023-53936 is a persistent cross-site scripting vulnerability identified in Cameleon CMS version 2.7.4, a content management system developed by tuzitio. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically in the handling of post titles. Authenticated administrators can inject malicious SVG scripts into post titles, which are then rendered on the web interface. When other users, such as editors or viewers, hover their mouse over the affected post title, the embedded SVG script executes in their browser context. This execution can lead to theft of session cookies, enabling attackers to hijack user sessions, or to arbitrary JavaScript execution, potentially allowing further malicious actions such as privilege escalation or data manipulation within the CMS. The attack requires an authenticated administrator account to inject the payload and user interaction (mouse hover) to trigger the script. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required beyond authenticated admin, and user interaction required. The vulnerability affects only version 2.7.4 of Cameleon CMS, and as of the published date, no patches or public exploits are reported. This vulnerability highlights the risk of insufficient input sanitization in web applications, especially in administrative interfaces where trusted users can inadvertently introduce malicious content.

For European organizations using Cameleon CMS 2.7.4, this vulnerability poses a risk of session hijacking and unauthorized execution of JavaScript within the CMS environment. Attackers with administrator credentials can embed malicious scripts that compromise other users’ sessions, potentially leading to unauthorized content changes, data leakage, or further compromise of internal systems. The impact is particularly significant for organizations relying on Cameleon CMS for critical content management, including government agencies, media companies, and enterprises with sensitive information. The requirement for authenticated admin access limits the attack surface but insider threats or compromised admin accounts increase risk. Additionally, the need for user interaction (mouse hover) means social engineering or targeted attacks on CMS users could facilitate exploitation. Disruption of CMS integrity and confidentiality could damage organizational reputation and compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR.

European organizations should immediately verify if they are running Cameleon CMS version 2.7.4 and restrict administrator access to trusted personnel only. Since no official patch is currently available, implement strict input validation and sanitization on post titles, especially filtering or disabling SVG content and script tags. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict script execution and reduce the impact of injected scripts. Monitor administrator activities and audit post content for suspicious scripts or anomalies. Educate CMS users about the risk of interacting with untrusted content and encourage cautious behavior regarding mouse interactions on post titles. Consider isolating the CMS environment or using web application firewalls (WAF) with custom rules to detect and block XSS payloads. Plan for an upgrade or patch deployment once the vendor releases a fix. Regularly review user privileges to minimize the number of administrators and enforce strong authentication mechanisms.