CVE-2024-52281 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability classified under CWE-79, affecting SUSE Rancher versions from 2.9.0 before 2.9.4. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically in the cluster description field. An authenticated attacker with limited privileges can inject malicious JavaScript code into this field, which is then stored and rendered in the Rancher web interface for other users. When other users view the affected cluster description, the malicious script executes in their browsers within the Rancher context. This can lead to session hijacking, unauthorized actions, or data exfiltration. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.9, indicating high severity, with attack vector being network, low attack complexity, requiring privileges and user interaction, and impacting confidentiality and integrity at a high level, with limited availability impact. The vulnerability affects Rancher, a widely used Kubernetes management platform, making it a critical concern for organizations managing container orchestration environments. No patches were linked in the provided data, but the issue is fixed in Rancher 2.9.4 and later. No known exploits in the wild have been reported as of the publication date.

The impact of CVE-2024-52281 is significant for organizations using affected Rancher versions to manage Kubernetes clusters. Successful exploitation can compromise the confidentiality and integrity of the Rancher management interface, potentially allowing attackers to hijack user sessions, steal credentials, or execute unauthorized commands within the management console. This could lead to broader compromise of Kubernetes clusters, including deployment of malicious containers or disruption of workloads. The stored nature of the XSS means multiple users can be affected once the malicious payload is injected. Although availability impact is low, the breach of trust and control over cluster management poses a critical risk to operational security and data protection. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and cloud service providers that rely heavily on Rancher for container orchestration are particularly at risk. The requirement for authenticated access limits exploitation to insiders or compromised accounts but does not eliminate the threat, especially in environments with many users or weak access controls.

To mitigate CVE-2024-52281, organizations should immediately upgrade SUSE Rancher to version 2.9.4 or later where the vulnerability is patched. If immediate upgrade is not feasible, implement strict input validation and sanitization on the cluster description field at the application or proxy level to neutralize potentially malicious scripts. Enforce the principle of least privilege by restricting who can edit cluster descriptions to trusted administrators only. Enable Content Security Policy (CSP) headers in the Rancher web interface to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts. Monitor Rancher logs and user activities for unusual changes to cluster descriptions or suspicious behavior. Conduct regular security training to raise awareness about the risks of stored XSS and the importance of secure input handling. Additionally, consider network segmentation and multi-factor authentication to reduce the risk of compromised credentials being used to exploit this vulnerability.