CVE-2023-5050 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-5050 article provides detailed information about a vulnerability found in the Leaflet Map plugin for WordPress.

Understanding CVE-2023-5050

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-5050, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-5050?

CVE-2023-5050 pertains to a Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability present in the Leaflet Map plugin for WordPress. Attackers with contributor-level permissions or above can inject malicious web scripts through shortcodes, impacting users who access the affected pages.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5050

The vulnerability in the Leaflet Map plugin up to version 3.3.0 can lead to unauthorized code execution for authenticated attackers. Insufficient input sanitization and output escaping make it possible for malicious scripts to execute within the context of the user's browser, posing a serious security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5050

This section elaborates on the technical aspects of CVE-2023-5050, including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping in the Leaflet Map plugin for WordPress versions up to and including 3.3.0. This allows attackers to embed harmful scripts via shortcodes, compromising the security of the affected pages.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects the "Leaflet Map" plugin for WordPress versions up to 3.3.0. Systems with this plugin installed are at risk of exploitation by authenticated attackers with contributor-level permissions or higher.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the vulnerability in the Leaflet Map plugin, attackers can inject malicious web scripts using shortcodes. When unsuspecting users access the compromised pages, these scripts execute within their browsers, potentially leading to various security breaches.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines essential steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-5050, including immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the Leaflet Map plugin to a version beyond 3.3.0 or apply security patches provided by the vendor promptly. Additionally, restricting contributor-level permissions can limit the impact of potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Practicing secure coding techniques, regularly updating plugins, and conducting security audits can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins. Educating users about safe web practices and the risks associated with cross-site scripting is also crucial for enhanced security.

Patching and Updates

Staying informed about security advisories from plugin vendors and promptly applying patches and updates can significantly reduce the likelihood of exploitation through known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-5050. Regular monitoring and maintenance of WordPress installations are essential for maintaining a secure online presence.