CVE-2023-46394 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in /home/user/edit_submit of gougucms v4.08.18 allows attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML via injecting a crafted payload into the headimgurl parameter.

Understanding CVE-2023-46394

This article provides insights into the XSS vulnerability present in gougucms v4.08.18.

What is CVE-2023-46394?

CVE-2023-46394 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability that exists in the /home/user/edit_submit endpoint of gougucms v4.08.18. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute malicious scripts or HTML by injecting a specifically crafted payload into the headimgurl parameter.

The Impact of CVE-2023-46394

This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, data manipulation, and potentially full website compromise. It poses a significant risk to the security and integrity of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-46394

Let's delve into the specifics of CVE-2023-46394 to understand its nature and implications.

Vulnerability Description

The stored XSS vulnerability allows threat actors to insert malicious code into the application, leading to various security risks and potential exploitation scenarios.

Affected Systems and Versions

The gougucms v4.08.18 version is confirmed to be affected by this vulnerability. Other versions may also be vulnerable, although specific details are yet to be disclosed.

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating the headimgurl parameter in the /home/user/edit_submit URL, attackers can inject malicious payloads that get stored and executed within the application, enabling XSS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-46394 and protect your systems from exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update gougucms to the latest version or apply security patches provided by the vendor.
Implement input validation and output encoding to thwart XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to proactively identify and address potential threats.
Educate developers and system administrators on secure coding practices and common attack vectors like XSS.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates released by gougucms and promptly apply patches to fix known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.