CVE-2024-9174 is a stored HTML injection vulnerability classified under CWE-79 (Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation), commonly known as cross-site scripting (XSS), affecting M-Files Hubshare's Social Module before version 5.0.8.6. This vulnerability allows an authenticated user to inject malicious HTML or script code into the application’s social interface, which is then stored and rendered for other users. The injected content can spoof the user interface, potentially tricking users into performing unintended actions or disclosing sensitive information. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have authenticated access, but no elevated privileges are necessary. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no authentication required (AT:N), privileges required are low (PR:L), user interaction is required (UI:A), and high impact on confidentiality (VC:H), low impact on integrity (VI:L), and no impact on availability (VA:N). The scope is unchanged, and no security requirements are affected. Although no known exploits are reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk in environments where multiple users interact with the social module, as it can facilitate phishing, session hijacking, or other social engineering attacks. The vulnerability stems from improper input sanitization and neutralization during web page generation, allowing malicious HTML to be stored and rendered. This flaw highlights the importance of rigorous input validation and output encoding in web applications, especially those handling user-generated content.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-9174 is on the confidentiality and integrity of user interactions within M-Files Hubshare. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can inject malicious scripts or HTML that spoof the user interface, potentially leading to phishing attacks, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed by users under false pretenses. While availability is not directly affected, the trustworthiness of the platform is compromised, which can lead to reputational damage and loss of user confidence. Organizations relying on M-Files Hubshare for document management and collaboration may face risks of data leakage or manipulation through social engineering facilitated by this vulnerability. Since the exploit requires authenticated access and user interaction, the attack surface is somewhat limited to insiders or compromised accounts, but the ease of exploitation and the potential for lateral movement or privilege escalation through social engineering increase the overall risk. The vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against organizations with sensitive data or regulatory compliance requirements, potentially leading to legal and financial consequences.

To mitigate CVE-2024-9174, organizations should immediately upgrade M-Files Hubshare to version 5.0.8.6 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. In the absence of an available patch, administrators should restrict access to the Social Module to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious activity or unusual UI behavior. Implement strict input validation and output encoding on all user-generated content within the application to prevent injection of malicious HTML or scripts. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts and reduce the impact of potential XSS attacks. Conduct regular security training for users to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious UI elements. Additionally, review and enforce strong authentication and session management controls to minimize the risk of compromised accounts being used to exploit this vulnerability. Logging and alerting on anomalous activities related to the Social Module can help detect exploitation attempts early. Finally, coordinate with M-Files support for guidance on interim protective measures and monitor for updates or advisories.