CVE-2024-22494 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in JFinalcms version 5.0.0. The vulnerability exists in the /gusetbook/save endpoint, specifically via the mobile parameter. An attacker can exploit this flaw by injecting arbitrary web scripts or HTML code that gets stored on the server and subsequently rendered in the context of other users' browsers. This stored XSS attack vector allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts when victims access the affected pages, potentially leading to session hijacking, defacement, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, which pertains to improper neutralization of input during web page generation. According to the CVSS 3.1 scoring, it has a base score of 5.4 (medium severity), with an attack vector of network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring privileges (PR:L), and user interaction (UI:R). The scope is changed (S:C), indicating that the vulnerability affects resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. The impact affects confidentiality and integrity at a low level, with no impact on availability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability requires an authenticated user to interact with the vulnerable parameter, which somewhat limits the attack surface but still poses a significant risk in environments where users can be tricked into submitting malicious input or where attackers have some level of access.

For European organizations using JFinalcms 5.0.0, this stored XSS vulnerability could lead to unauthorized script execution in users' browsers, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing sensitive information, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of users. This is particularly concerning for organizations handling sensitive or personal data, as it could facilitate data leakage or manipulation. The requirement for user interaction and some level of privilege reduces the likelihood of widespread automated exploitation but does not eliminate the risk of targeted attacks, especially in sectors with high-value targets such as finance, healthcare, or government services. Additionally, the scope change indicates that the vulnerability could affect multiple components or users beyond the initial entry point, increasing the potential impact. The lack of a patch and known exploits means organizations must proactively mitigate the risk. Failure to address this vulnerability could lead to reputational damage, regulatory penalties under GDPR if personal data is compromised, and operational disruptions if attackers leverage the vulnerability for further attacks.

1. Immediate mitigation should include input validation and output encoding on the /gusetbook/save mobile parameter to prevent malicious script injection. Implement strict server-side sanitization of all user inputs, especially those that are stored and later rendered in web pages. 2. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts in browsers, limiting the impact of any injected scripts. 3. Restrict access to the vulnerable endpoint to trusted users only, and monitor logs for unusual activity or repeated attempts to inject scripts. 4. Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted content and encourage cautious behavior when submitting data. 5. If possible, upgrade to a newer, patched version of JFinalcms once available or apply vendor-provided patches promptly. 6. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on XSS vulnerabilities to detect and remediate similar issues proactively. 7. Implement multi-factor authentication and session management best practices to reduce the impact of session hijacking attempts that could result from XSS exploitation.