CVE-2023-5049 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2023-5049 content provides detailed information about a vulnerability found in the Giveaways and Contests by RafflePress plugin for WordPress.

Understanding CVE-2023-5049

This section will delve into the nature of CVE-2023-5049, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-5049?

CVE-2023-5049 concerns a Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in the Giveaways and Contests by RafflePress plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level permissions or higher to inject malicious web scripts via specific shortcodes.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5049

The vulnerability in Giveaways and Contests by RafflePress plugin up to version 1.12.0 can lead to arbitrary script injection by attackers with certain permissions. This type of vulnerability could compromise user data and expose websites to various security risks.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5049

Understanding the technical aspects of the vulnerability is crucial to assess its severity and potential consequences.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping in the 'rafflepress' and 'rafflepress_gutenberg' shortcodes. This enables attackers to embed malicious scripts that execute when users access the affected pages.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Giveaways and Contests by RafflePress plugin versions up to and including 1.12.0 are impacted by this vulnerability. Users of these versions are at risk of exploitation by malicious actors.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the insecure 'giframe' user-supplied attribute within the plugin's shortcodes, attackers can inject harmful scripts that execute within the context of the affected WordPress pages.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2023-5049 requires a combination of immediate actions and long-term security best practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators using the affected plugin version should update to a patched version promptly. Additionally, monitoring for any signs of unauthorized script execution is recommended.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing rigorous input validation, output escaping, and access control mechanisms can help prevent similar vulnerabilities. Regular security audits and employee training are also essential for maintaining a secure web environment.

Patching and Updates

Users of Giveaways and Contests by RafflePress should stay informed about security updates released by the plugin developer. Applying patches promptly and keeping the plugin up to date can mitigate the risk of exploitation associated with CVE-2023-5049.