CVE-2023-5955 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-5955 article will provide insights into a specific vulnerability in a WordPress plugin that could lead to a Stored Cross-Site Scripting attack.

Understanding CVE-2023-5955

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-5955, explaining the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-5955?

CVE-2023-5955 refers to a vulnerability present in the Contact Form Email WordPress plugin before version 1.3.44. The issue arises from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize and escape certain settings, making it susceptible to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks. This could empower high-privilege users, including administrators, to execute malicious scripts even when restrictions like unfiltered_html capability are in place (e.g., in a multisite configuration).

The Impact of CVE-2023-5955

The impact of CVE-2023-5955 is significant as it opens the door for attackers to inject malicious code into the plugin's settings, potentially compromising the security and integrity of the WordPress site. Such an attack could lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and other malicious activities, posing a serious threat to the affected websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5955

This section will provide more technical insights into CVE-2023-5955, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Contact Form Email plugin stems from inadequate sanitization and escaping of certain settings. This oversight allows attackers with elevated privileges to inject malicious scripts into the plugin, paving the way for Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Contact Form Email plugin versions prior to 1.3.44 are vulnerable to CVE-2023-5955. Websites using these versions are at risk of exploitation if the necessary security measures are not implemented promptly.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-5955 involves leveraging the lack of proper sanitization within the plugin's settings. Attackers can manipulate these unprotected parameters to insert malicious scripts, which are then executed within the context of the affected website, potentially leading to unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, actionable steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-5955 will be discussed, emphasizing immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators and users are advised to update the Contact Form Email plugin to version 1.3.44 or newer to address the vulnerability. Additionally, implementing strict user access controls and regularly auditing plugin security can help mitigate the risk of Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance the overall security posture of WordPress websites, it is crucial to stay informed about potential vulnerabilities in plugins and themes. Conducting security assessments, staying up-to-date with patches and updates, and investing in robust cybersecurity measures can strengthen the defense mechanisms against various threats.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying patches and updates released by plugin developers is essential to address known vulnerabilities promptly. By keeping software components up-to-date, website owners can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation and ensure the security of their online assets.