CVE-2026-75718 Overview
CVE-2026-75718 is a DOM-based Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability affecting Adobe Experience Manager (AEM). An attacker can manipulate the Document Object Model (DOM) environment to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of a victim's browser session. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically that a victim visits a crafted webpage. The scope is changed, meaning the impact extends beyond the vulnerable component to other security authorities. The flaw is categorized under [CWE-79] (Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation).
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute malicious JavaScript in a victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed within the AEM interface.
Affected Products
- Adobe Experience Manager (AEM Cloud Service)
- Adobe Experience Manager 6.5 LTS (base release)
- Adobe Experience Manager 6.5 LTS Service Pack 1 and Service Pack 2
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-09-08 - CVE-2026-75718 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-09-10 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-75718
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in client-side JavaScript within Adobe Experience Manager. Attacker-controlled data flows into a sink that writes to the DOM without proper sanitization or encoding. When the browser processes the modified DOM, it executes the injected script within the AEM origin.
Because the scope is changed, the injected script can affect resources beyond the immediately vulnerable component. This includes interacting with other applications or authoring interfaces available in the victim's session. The attacker requires low-level privileges within AEM to stage the crafted content or link that triggers the payload.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of user-supplied input written to the DOM by client-side JavaScript. AEM code paths pass untrusted input to sinks such as innerHTML, document.write, or eval-adjacent constructs without contextual output encoding. The browser then interprets attacker data as executable script rather than inert content.
Attack Vector
The attack is network-based and requires user interaction. An attacker crafts a URL or webpage containing a malicious payload targeting an AEM DOM sink. When an authenticated AEM user visits the crafted page, the payload executes in the AEM origin. The attacker can then read session state, invoke AEM APIs on behalf of the victim, or pivot into administrative workflows. Refer to the Adobe Security Advisory APSB26-98 for vendor-specific technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-75718
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual outbound HTTP requests from AEM author or publish sessions to attacker-controlled domains
- AEM access logs showing requests containing script fragments, encoded HTML entities, or javascript: schemes in URL fragments and query parameters
- Unexpected content modifications, page authoring actions, or user privilege changes performed by legitimate accounts shortly after visiting external links
Detection Strategies
- Deploy web application firewall rules that inspect request parameters and URL fragments for common XSS payload patterns targeting AEM endpoints
- Enable and monitor Content Security Policy (CSP) violation reports to identify inline script execution attempts
- Correlate browser-side script errors with authenticated AEM sessions to flag anomalous JavaScript execution
Monitoring Recommendations
- Log and review all authoring actions performed within AEM, particularly asset uploads and configuration changes following user interaction with external links
- Monitor for phishing campaigns delivering crafted URLs targeting AEM administrators and content authors
- Track HTTP referrer headers on AEM requests to identify sessions redirected from unexpected external sources
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-75718
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the security updates referenced in Adobe Security Advisory APSB26-98 to all affected AEM instances
- Inventory AEM deployments to identify AEM Cloud Service tenants and AEM 6.5 LTS installations up to Service Pack 2
- Notify content authors and administrators to avoid clicking untrusted links while authenticated to AEM
Patch Information
Adobe has published fixes under advisory APSB26-98 covering AEM Cloud Service and AEM 6.5 LTS through Service Pack 2. AEM Cloud Service customers receive updates automatically through the managed service. On-premises AEM 6.5 LTS operators must apply the corresponding service pack or hotfix as documented by Adobe. Consult the vendor advisory for exact build numbers and installation procedures.
Workarounds
- Enforce a strict Content Security Policy that disallows inline scripts and restricts script sources to trusted origins
- Segment AEM author instances behind VPN or IP allowlists to limit exposure to unauthenticated attackers staging crafted pages
- Require administrators to use dedicated browser profiles for AEM authoring sessions, isolating them from general web browsing
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
