CVE-2024-22048 is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability classified under CWE-79, affecting govuk_tech_docs versions from 2.0.2 up to but not including 3.3.1. The vulnerability arises due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically in the search functionality of the affected software. When a maliciously crafted search result is displayed on the search page, it can cause arbitrary JavaScript code to execute in the context of the user's browser. This type of vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to perform actions such as session hijacking, defacement, or redirecting users to malicious sites. The CVSS v3.1 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) shows that the attack can be launched remotely over the network without privileges, requires low attack complexity, no privileges, but does require user interaction (the user must trigger the malicious search). The scope is changed, meaning the vulnerability affects components beyond the vulnerable software itself, potentially impacting user data confidentiality and integrity. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches are linked in the provided data, suggesting that mitigation may require upgrading to versions 3.3.1 or later or applying custom input sanitization measures.

For European organizations using govuk_tech_docs within the vulnerable version range, this XSS vulnerability poses a risk primarily to the confidentiality and integrity of user sessions and data. Attackers could exploit this flaw to execute malicious scripts in users' browsers, potentially stealing authentication tokens, performing unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or delivering malware payloads. This can lead to reputational damage, loss of user trust, and regulatory compliance issues under GDPR if personal data is compromised. Since govuk_tech_docs is often used for technical documentation, organizations relying on it for internal or external documentation may face disruption or data leakage. The requirement for user interaction (triggering a malicious search) limits automated exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where users may be less security-aware. The changed scope indicates that the vulnerability could affect other components or systems interacting with the vulnerable application, increasing the potential impact. Overall, the threat is moderate but significant enough to warrant timely remediation to prevent exploitation.

1. Upgrade govuk_tech_docs to version 3.3.1 or later where the vulnerability is fixed. 2. Implement strict input validation and output encoding on all user-supplied data, especially search query results, to neutralize any malicious scripts before rendering. 3. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts in browsers. 4. Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted search results or links within documentation portals. 5. Conduct regular security testing, including automated scanning and manual code reviews, focusing on input handling and output encoding. 6. Monitor logs for unusual search queries or patterns that may indicate attempted exploitation. 7. If upgrading immediately is not feasible, consider deploying web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block typical XSS payloads targeting the search functionality. 8. Review and limit the exposure of the documentation platform to only trusted users or networks where possible.