CVE-2017-11503 : Security Advisory and Response

PHPMailer version 5.2.23 is vulnerable to a cross-site scripting (XSS) issue in the "From Email Address" and "To Email Address" fields of the code_generator.php file.

Understanding CVE-2017-11503

This CVE entry identifies a specific security vulnerability in PHPMailer version 5.2.23.

What is CVE-2017-11503?

CVE-2017-11503 is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in PHPMailer version 5.2.23, affecting the "From Email Address" and "To Email Address" fields of the code_generator.php file.

The Impact of CVE-2017-11503

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute malicious scripts in the context of a user's web browser, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-11503

PHPMailer version 5.2.23 is susceptible to XSS attacks in specific fields.

Vulnerability Description

The XSS vulnerability in PHPMailer version 5.2.23 resides in the "From Email Address" and "To Email Address" fields of the code_generator.php file, enabling attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Version: 5.2.23
Systems using PHPMailer version 5.2.23

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into the vulnerable fields, which are then executed when a user interacts with the affected application.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2017-11503.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade PHPMailer to a patched version that addresses the XSS vulnerability.
Implement input validation and output encoding to prevent script injection.
Regularly monitor and audit web application code for security flaws.

Long-Term Security Practices

Educate developers on secure coding practices to prevent XSS vulnerabilities.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by PHPMailer.
Promptly apply patches to ensure that known vulnerabilities are mitigated.