CVE-2024-8008 is a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in WSO2 Enterprise Integrator version 6.6.0. The root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper output encoding during the generation of error messages related to the JDBC user store connection validation request. Specifically, when an error occurs during this validation, the error message returned to the user includes unescaped input that can be manipulated by an attacker. By injecting a specially crafted payload into the request, an attacker can cause the vulnerable web page to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of the victim's browser session. This reflected XSS attack vector requires the victim to interact with a maliciously crafted link or request, which then triggers the execution of the injected script. The impact of this vulnerability includes potential UI manipulation, redirection to malicious websites, or exfiltration of data accessible within the browser context. However, the risk of session hijacking is mitigated by the use of the httpOnly flag on session-related cookies, which prevents JavaScript access to these cookies. The CVSS v3.1 score assigned is 5.2 (medium severity), reflecting the attack vector as adjacent network (AV:A), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R), scope changed (S:C), and limited confidentiality and integrity impact (C:L/I:L), with no availability impact (A:N). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which covers improper neutralization of input during web page generation leading to XSS.

For European organizations using WSO2 Enterprise Integrator 6.6.0, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily to web application security and user trust. Exploitation could allow attackers to manipulate user interfaces, redirect users to phishing or malware sites, or steal sensitive information accessible via the browser, such as tokens or personal data displayed on the page. Although session hijacking is prevented by httpOnly cookies, the ability to execute arbitrary scripts can still facilitate social engineering attacks or data leakage. Organizations in sectors with high regulatory requirements for data protection (e.g., finance, healthcare, government) could face compliance issues if such attacks lead to data exposure. Additionally, the reflected XSS vulnerability could be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain, especially in environments where users have elevated privileges or access to sensitive systems through the integrator’s web interface. The requirement for user interaction limits the attack scope but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with large user bases or external-facing portals. The medium severity rating suggests that while the vulnerability is not critical, it should be addressed promptly to maintain security posture and prevent exploitation.

To mitigate CVE-2024-8008, European organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Apply output encoding and input validation rigorously in all error message generation paths, especially those involving user-supplied input in JDBC connection validation responses. 2) Monitor WSO2’s official channels for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them as soon as they become available. 3) Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block reflected XSS payloads targeting WSO2 Enterprise Integrator endpoints. 4) Educate users about the risks of clicking on suspicious links and implement security awareness training focused on phishing and social engineering attacks that could leverage this vulnerability. 5) Conduct regular security testing, including automated scanning and manual penetration testing, focusing on input validation and output encoding in the affected product. 6) Where feasible, restrict access to the WSO2 Enterprise Integrator management interfaces to trusted networks or VPNs to reduce exposure to adjacent network attacks. 7) Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts in browsers accessing the affected web interfaces. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on both technical controls and user awareness tailored to the specific nature of the vulnerability and the product environment.