CVE-2024-58292 is a persistent cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in XMB Forum version 1.9.12.06, a widely used forum software. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, categorized under CWE-79. Specifically, authenticated administrators can inject malicious JavaScript payloads into the forum’s footer templates and news ticker fields, which are then rendered on the front page and other user-accessible pages. This persistent XSS allows the injected scripts to execute in the browsers of all users who visit the affected pages, potentially enabling attackers to steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of users, or deliver further malware. The attack vector requires administrator-level authentication, which limits exploitation to insiders or compromised admin accounts. The CVSS 4.0 score of 5.3 reflects a medium severity, considering the network attack vector, low complexity, no privileges required for exploitation beyond admin access, and no user interaction needed beyond page visit. No patches or public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability poses a significant risk to forum integrity and user security. The lack of input sanitization in template fields indicates a design flaw in the software’s input handling mechanisms. Organizations relying on XMB Forum 1.9.12.06 should audit administrator activities, restrict admin privileges, and consider upgrading or applying custom input validation to mitigate risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could lead to significant security risks including unauthorized access to user sessions, theft of sensitive information, and potential defacement or manipulation of forum content. Public-facing forums used by companies, educational institutions, or community groups could be exploited to spread malware or phishing attacks via injected scripts. The persistent nature of the XSS means that once an attacker injects malicious code, it remains active until removed, increasing the window of exposure. This could damage organizational reputation and user trust, especially in sectors handling personal data or regulated information. Additionally, if administrator accounts are compromised or insider threats exist, the vulnerability could be exploited to gain broader access or pivot to other internal systems. The impact is heightened in environments where XMB Forum is integrated with other services or single sign-on mechanisms, potentially amplifying the scope of compromise.

1. Restrict administrator access strictly to trusted personnel and enforce strong authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication (MFA). 2. Conduct regular audits of administrator activities and template content to detect unauthorized script injections. 3. Implement input validation and output encoding on all template and front page settings fields to neutralize potentially malicious input. 4. If possible, upgrade to a later, patched version of XMB Forum once available or apply vendor-supplied patches promptly. 5. Use web application firewalls (WAFs) configured to detect and block XSS payloads targeting known vulnerable fields. 6. Educate administrators about the risks of injecting untrusted content into templates and enforce strict content policies. 7. Monitor forum traffic and user reports for signs of suspicious behavior or script execution anomalies. 8. Consider isolating the forum environment or limiting its integration with critical internal systems to reduce lateral movement risk.