CVE-2023-5164 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2023-5164 involves a vulnerability in the Bellows Accordion Menu plugin for WordPress, which allows for Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks in versions up to and including 1.4.2. The issue stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes, enabling authenticated attackers with contributor-level permissions or higher to inject malicious web scripts.

Understanding CVE-2023-5164

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-5164, including its nature and impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-5164?

CVE-2023-5164 is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability present in the Bellows Accordion Menu plugin for WordPress. Due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, attackers with specific permissions can inject harmful web scripts that execute when a user accesses the compromised pages.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5164

The impact of CVE-2023-5164 is significant as it allows attackers to conduct Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks within the context of a WordPress site using the vulnerable plugin. This can lead to the execution of arbitrary scripts, potentially compromising user data and site integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5164

In this section, we explore the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-5164 vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a lack of proper input sanitization and output escaping in the Bellows Accordion Menu plugin for WordPress, enabling attackers to insert malicious scripts via user-supplied attributes.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Bellows Accordion Menu plugin versions up to and including 1.4.2 are affected by CVE-2023-5164. Sites using these versions are at risk of exploitation if not promptly addressed.

Exploitation Mechanism

Authenticated attackers with contributor-level permissions or higher can exploit CVE-2023-5164 by leveraging the vulnerability in the Bellows Accordion Menu plugin to inject and execute harmful web scripts within compromised pages.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-5164, it is crucial to take immediate action and implement security measures to prevent further exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators should update the Bellows Accordion Menu plugin to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring site activity for suspicious behavior and enforcing strong access controls can help mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, regularly updating plugins and themes, conducting security audits, and educating users about safe browsing habits are essential long-term security measures to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Developers of the Bellows Accordion Menu plugin have likely released a patch to address CVE-2023-5164. It is imperative for site owners to apply these patches promptly to protect their WordPress installations from potential attacks.