CVE-2024-22048 is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability classified under CWE-79, found in govuk_tech_docs versions from 2.0.2 to before 3.3.1. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of user-supplied input during the generation of web pages, specifically within the search functionality. When a malicious actor crafts a search query that results in a specially crafted search result, the application fails to properly sanitize or encode this input before rendering it in the user's browser. This allows the injection and execution of arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of the victim's browser session. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.1, reflecting a medium severity rating. The vector indicates the attack can be performed remotely over the network (AV:N) with low attack complexity (AC:L), requires no privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R). The scope is changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the vulnerable component. The impact affects confidentiality and integrity (C:L/I:L) but not availability (A:N). No known exploits have been reported in the wild, suggesting limited active exploitation at this time. The vulnerability is particularly relevant for organizations using govuk_tech_docs to host or manage technical documentation, especially in government or public sector contexts where this platform is common. The vulnerability could be leveraged to steal sensitive information such as session cookies, perform actions on behalf of the user, or conduct phishing attacks by manipulating the displayed content. The vulnerability was published on January 4, 2024, and no official patch links were provided in the source data, but upgrading to version 3.3.1 or later is implied as the fix. The vulnerability requires user interaction, limiting automated exploitation but still posing a significant risk if users are tricked into visiting maliciously crafted search pages.

For European organizations, especially those in the public sector or government agencies using govuk_tech_docs for hosting technical documentation, this vulnerability poses a risk of client-side code execution leading to theft of sensitive information such as authentication tokens or session cookies. This could result in unauthorized access to internal resources or impersonation of users. The integrity of displayed documentation could be compromised, potentially misleading users or injecting malicious content. Although availability is not directly impacted, the loss of confidentiality and integrity could undermine trust in official documentation portals. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to exploit this vulnerability. Organizations handling sensitive or classified information are at higher risk, as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate attacks or gain footholds in internal networks. The vulnerability could also be used to bypass security controls that rely on browser context, such as same-origin policy protections. Given the widespread use of govuk_tech_docs in UK government and related entities, European organizations collaborating or integrated with UK public sector systems may also be indirectly affected.

The primary mitigation is to upgrade govuk_tech_docs to version 3.3.1 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed. Until an upgrade is possible, organizations should implement strict input validation and output encoding on all user-supplied data rendered in search results to neutralize potentially malicious scripts. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts in browsers. Educate users about the risks of clicking on suspicious or unexpected search results, especially in internal documentation portals. Monitor web server logs for unusual search queries or patterns that could indicate attempted exploitation. Consider implementing web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block common XSS payloads targeting the search functionality. Regularly review and audit code handling user input in the documentation platform to ensure secure coding practices are followed. Coordinate with IT security teams to ensure rapid deployment of patches and updates. Finally, conduct security awareness training focused on recognizing phishing attempts that could leverage this vulnerability.