CVE-2023-5232 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This is the detailed information about CVE-2023-5232, a vulnerability found in the Font Awesome More Icons plugin for WordPress.

Understanding CVE-2023-5232

In the CVE-2023-5232 vulnerability, the Font Awesome More Icons plugin for WordPress is susceptible to Stored Cross-Site Scripting through the 'icon' shortcode in versions up to and including 3.5. This vulnerability arises from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes, leading to potential injection of arbitrary web scripts by authenticated attackers with contributor-level and higher permissions.

What is CVE-2023-5232?

CVE-2023-5232 is a vulnerability in the Font Awesome More Icons plugin for WordPress that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts via the 'icon' shortcode, impacting versions up to and including 3.5.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5232

The impact of CVE-2023-5232 is significant as it enables authenticated attackers with specific permissions to execute arbitrary web scripts that can compromise the security and integrity of the WordPress website using the vulnerable plugin.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5232

The technical details of CVE-2023-5232 include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows for Stored Cross-Site Scripting through the 'icon' shortcode due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Font Awesome More Icons plugin for WordPress versions up to and including 3.5 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Authenticated attackers with contributor-level and above permissions can exploit this vulnerability to inject and execute arbitrary web scripts on pages where the 'icon' shortcode is utilized.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate action to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2023-5232.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Font Awesome More Icons plugin to the latest version to eliminate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor and review user permissions to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict input validation and output filtering mechanisms in plugins to prevent Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities.
Educate users and administrators about safe coding practices to reduce the likelihood of successful attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by the plugin developer. Regularly update all plugins and software to ensure the latest security features are in place.

By following these mitigation strategies and best practices, users can enhance the security of their WordPress websites and protect them from potential vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-5232.