CVE-2024-41381 Overview
CVE-2024-41381 is a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability affecting Microweber 2.0.16, an open-source content management system (CMS). The flaw resides in userfiles\modules\settings\admin.php and allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of a victim's browser. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as clicking a crafted link or visiting a malicious page while authenticated. Successful attacks can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or administrative account takeover within the CMS. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation.
Critical Impact
Attackers can execute arbitrary JavaScript in an administrator's browser session, enabling theft of session cookies and unauthorized administrative actions against the Microweber CMS.
Affected Products
- Microweber CMS version 2.0.16
- Deployments exposing the administrative settings module (userfiles/modules/settings/admin.php)
- Any Microweber instance where administrators can be lured to attacker-controlled content
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-08-05 - CVE-2024-41381 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-41381
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a reflected or stored Cross-Site Scripting flaw in the Microweber administrative settings component. User-supplied input processed by userfiles\modules\settings\admin.php is rendered back into the page without adequate output encoding or input sanitization. An attacker crafts a payload containing JavaScript that executes in the browser of a targeted administrator. Because the scope is marked as changed in the CVSS vector, the impact can extend beyond the vulnerable component into the authenticated administrator's broader session context. User interaction is required for exploitation, typically through phishing or malicious links.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of input during web page generation [CWE-79]. The admin.php script in the settings module accepts input and renders it into HTML output without applying context-aware encoding. Microweber's templating layer does not sanitize the affected parameter, allowing raw HTML and script tags to be reflected into the response. For technical specifics, refer to the public GitHub Issue #1110.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires an authenticated administrator to interact with attacker-controlled input. An attacker crafts a URL or form submission targeting the vulnerable settings endpoint. When the administrator loads the crafted request, the injected script executes under the Microweber application origin. The script can read session cookies, perform CSRF-style actions against the CMS, or redirect the administrator to credential harvesting pages. No synthetic exploitation code is provided; see the vendor advisory for proof-of-concept details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-41381
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual HTTP requests to userfiles/modules/settings/admin.php containing <script>, javascript:, onerror=, or encoded script payloads in query or POST parameters
- Administrative sessions originating from unexpected IP addresses shortly after a known phishing event
- Unexpected changes to Microweber configuration or new administrator accounts created without authorization
Detection Strategies
- Deploy web application firewall rules that match common XSS payload patterns against requests to the Microweber settings module
- Review web server access logs for suspicious parameter values submitted to admin.php endpoints
- Correlate browser-side Content Security Policy (CSP) violation reports with Microweber administrator activity
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor outbound requests from administrator browsers to unfamiliar domains during active CMS sessions
- Alert on creation or modification of administrator accounts and privileged configuration settings in Microweber
- Track session cookie use from multiple geographic locations within short time windows
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-41381
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Microweber to a version later than 2.0.16 once a fixed release is available from the vendor
- Restrict access to the Microweber administrative interface to trusted networks or VPN users
- Enforce a strict Content Security Policy that blocks inline scripts and unauthorized script sources
- Train administrators to avoid clicking untrusted links while logged into the CMS
Patch Information
At the time of publication, no formal patch identifier is referenced in the NVD entry. Track the Microweber GitHub Issue #1110 and the project's release notes for official fix availability. Apply the vendor update as soon as it is published and verify the userfiles/modules/settings/admin.php component properly encodes output.
Workarounds
- Place the Microweber administrative paths behind a web application firewall with XSS filtering enabled
- Configure the application and reverse proxy to set HttpOnly and SameSite=Strict on session cookies to limit script-based theft
- Disable or restrict the vulnerable settings module to a minimal set of trusted administrators until a patch is applied
- Use browser isolation or dedicated administrative workstations when accessing the Microweber admin panel
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
