CVE-2023-4771 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-4771 was published by INCIBE on November 16, 2023. It involves a Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in the CKSource CKEditor software, affecting versions 4.15.1 and earlier.

Understanding CVE-2023-4771

This vulnerability in CKSource CKEditor could be exploited by attackers to execute malicious JavaScript code and potentially retrieve sensitive information from authorized users.

What is CVE-2023-4771?

The CVE-2023-4771 vulnerability is classified as a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) flaw, specifically falling under the CAPEC-63 category of vulnerabilities. This type of vulnerability allows attackers to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users.

The Impact of CVE-2023-4771

With a CVSS base score of 6.1, this vulnerability poses a medium severity threat. While it requires user interaction for exploitation and does not directly impact availability, it can potentially lead to unauthorized access to confidential user data.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-4771

This section provides more insight into the vulnerability and its technical aspects.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in CKSource CKEditor allows attackers to insert malicious JavaScript code via the /ckeditor/samples/old/ajax.html file, enabling the extraction of sensitive information belonging to authorized users.

Affected Systems and Versions

CKSource CKEditor versions 4.15.1 and prior are vulnerable to this Cross-Site Scripting flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting and executing malicious JavaScript code through the identified file path in CKEditor, potentially leading to unauthorized data access.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-4771, certain immediate steps and long-term security practices can be implemented.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately upgrading CKEditor to a non-vulnerable version or applying available security patches can help prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring for any suspicious activities can aid in early detection.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular security assessments, and staying informed about software vulnerabilities can enhance overall security posture and help prevent similar incidents in the future.

Patching and Updates

Ensuring timely installation of software updates and security patches released by CKSource for CKEditor can address known vulnerabilities, including CVE-2023-4771, and improve the overall security of the software.