CVE-2023-47271 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover the impact of CVE-2023-47271 affecting PKP-WAL before 3.3.0-16, enabling remote code execution. Learn mitigation steps and long-term security practices.
A detailed overview of the CVE-2023-47271 vulnerability affecting PKP-WAL before version 3.3.0-16, commonly used in Open Journal Systems (OJS) and other products.
Understanding CVE-2023-47271
This section provides insight into the nature and impact of the CVE-2023-47271 vulnerability.
What is CVE-2023-47271?
CVE-2023-47271 is a security vulnerability in PKP-WAL (PKP Web Application Library) that occurs due to a lack of proper verification when processing image files named in an XML document used for the native import/export plugin.
The Impact of CVE-2023-47271
The vulnerability allows an attacker to execute remote code by providing a malicious file as an issue cover image, potentially leading to unauthorized access or manipulation of the affected system.
Technical Details of CVE-2023-47271
Explore the specific technical aspects of the CVE-2023-47271 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
PKP-WAL before version 3.3.0-16 fails to validate that the file named in an XML document is an image file, enabling threat actors to introduce malicious code disguised as an image.
Affected Systems and Versions
All instances of PKP-WAL prior to version 3.3.0-16 are vulnerable to CVE-2023-47271, particularly impacting Open Journal Systems (OJS) installations and related products.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a specially-crafted file and uploading it through the issue cover image function, triggering the execution of malicious code.
Mitigation and Prevention
Learn how to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-47271 and prevent potential exploitation.
Immediate Steps to Take
Organizations should update PKP-WAL to version 3.3.0-16 or above, implement network-level protections, and monitor for any suspicious activities indicating an exploitation attempt.
Long-Term Security Practices
Enforce secure coding practices, conduct regular security assessments, and enhance user input validation processes to minimize the likelihood of similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Patching and Updates
Regularly monitor for updates and security patches released by PKP-WAL, promptly applying them to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed and system security is maintained.