CVE-2023-5704 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record outlines a security vulnerability identified in the CPO Shortcodes plugin for WordPress, impacting versions up to and including 1.5.0. The vulnerability allows for Stored Cross-Site Scripting, potentially enabling authenticated attackers with contributor-level and higher permissions to inject malicious web scripts into pages.

Understanding CVE-2023-5704

This section will provide an insight into what CVE-2023-5704 entails, its impacts, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-5704?

CVE-2023-5704 refers to a vulnerability in the CPO Shortcodes plugin for WordPress, allowing for Stored Cross-Site Scripting due to inadequate input sanitization and output escaping on user-provided attributes. This flaw can be exploited by authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5704

The impact of CVE-2023-5704 is significant as it enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into pages, potentially leading to unauthorized execution of scripts when accessed by users. This could result in various security risks and compromise the integrity of the affected WordPress websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5704

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the CPO Shortcodes plugin for WordPress, up to and inclusive of version 1.5.0, allows for Stored Cross-Site Scripting. Attackers can exploit this by injecting malicious scripts into pages through user-supplied attributes, posing a security risk to affected websites.

Affected Systems and Versions

The CPO Shortcodes plugin for WordPress versions up to and including 1.5.0 are susceptible to the CVE-2023-5704 vulnerability. Websites using these versions are at risk of exploitation if not promptly addressed.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-5704 involves authenticated attackers with contributor-level permissions or higher injecting arbitrary web scripts into pages via the plugin's shortcodes. These scripts can execute when users access the compromised pages, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we discuss the steps to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-5704, emphasizing immediate actions and long-term security best practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators are advised to update the CPO Shortcodes plugin to a non-vulnerable version beyond 1.5.0 or apply patches provided by the plugin developer promptly. Additionally, monitoring for any suspicious activity on the website is recommended to detect potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

To bolster overall website security, implementing robust input sanitization and output escaping practices, conducting regular security audits, and educating users about safe coding practices can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Maintaining up-to-date software, including plugins and themes, regularly checking for security advisories, and swiftly applying patches or updates are crucial for reducing the risk of CVE-2023-5704 and other potential security vulnerabilities.