CVE-2023-28447 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE-2023-28447 involves a cross-site scripting vulnerability in the Javascript escaping in Smarty/Smarty, a template engine for PHP.

Understanding CVE-2023-28447

This security vulnerability in Smarty can potentially allow an attacker to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the user's browser session, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive user data and manipulation of the web application's behavior.

What is CVE-2023-28447?

The vulnerability in Smarty arises from improper escaping of JavaScript code in affected versions. Attackers could exploit this flaw to inject and run malicious scripts, compromising the security and integrity of the user session.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28447

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as HIGH, with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.1. While the attack complexity is low, successful exploitation requires user interaction, making it imperative for users to take immediate action to mitigate the risks.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28447

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, including the affected systems, the exploitation mechanism, and the versions susceptible to the issue.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from the improper neutralization of input during web page generation, allowing for cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. Attackers can craft malicious payloads to execute unauthorized scripts in the user's browser.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: smarty-php
Product: smarty
Affected Versions:
= 4.0.0, < 4.3.1

< 3.1.48

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploit requires no special privileges, and the attack vector is through the network. User interaction is necessary for the successful execution of the attack.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard against CVE-2023-28447, users and administrators are advised to follow specific steps to mitigate the risks posed by the vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to version 3.1.48 or 4.3.1 to address the security flaw effectively.
Implement input validation and output encoding to prevent XSS attacks.
Regularly monitor for security advisories and patches from the Smarty project.

Long-Term Security Practices

Educate users and developers on secure coding practices to minimize the risk of XSS vulnerabilities.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate potential vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about updates and security advisories released by the Smarty project to apply patches promptly and ensure the ongoing security of your web applications.