GeoServer's Style Publisher vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Summary
A stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability exists that enables an authenticated administrator with workspace-level privileges to store a JavaScript payload in uploaded style/legend resources or in a specially crafted datastore file that will execute in the context of another user's browser when viewed in the Style Publisher. Access to the Style Publisher is available to all users although data security may limit users' ability to trigger the XSS.
Details
Give all details on the vulnerability. Pointing to the incriminated source code is very helpful for the maintainer.
PoC
Complete instructions, including specific configuration details, to reproduce the vulnerability.
Impact
If an attacker can control a script that is executed in the victim's browser, then they can typically fully compromise that user. Amongst other things, the attacker can:
1 .Perform any action within the application that the user can perform. 2. View any information that the user is able to view. 3. Modify any information that the user is able to modify. 4. Initiate interactions with other application users, including malicious attacks, that will appear to originate from the initial victim user.
References
https://osgeo-org.atlassian.net/browse/GEOS-11149 https://github.com/geoserver/geoserver/pull/7162 https://osgeo-org.atlassian.net/browse/GEOS-11155 https://github.com/geoserver/geoserver/pull/7181
Affected software
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| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Java / Kotlin (Maven) | org.geoserver:gs-main | < 2.23.3 | 2.23.3 |
| Java / Kotlin (Maven) | org.geoserver:gs-ows | < 2.23.3 | 2.23.3 |
References
- https://github.com/geoserver/geoserver/security/advisories/GHSA-9rfr-pf2x-g4xf
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-23640
- https://github.com/geoserver/geoserver/pull/7162
- https://github.com/geoserver/geoserver/pull/7181
- https://github.com/geoserver/geoserver
- https://osgeo-org.atlassian.net/browse/GEOS-11149
- https://osgeo-org.atlassian.net/browse/GEOS-11155
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-79- Platform
- Java / Kotlin (Maven)
- Package
org.geoserver:gs-main, org.geoserver:gs-ows- Disclosed
- 20.03.2024
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 13:20
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-9rfr-pf2x-g4xf - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: org.geoserver:gs-main
All published vulnerabilities of this package (Java / Kotlin (Maven)), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 7
- First → latest
- 04.2022 08.2026
- Without a fix
- 2
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- High 4
- Medium 3
Disclosures per year
- 2022: 2
- 2023: 0
- 2024: 3
- 2025: 0
- 2026: 2
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GeoServer's Style Publisher vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) this entry
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