CVE-2023-5980 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-5980 article provides an in-depth understanding of the vulnerability identified as "BSK Forms Blacklist < 3.7 - Admin+ Stored Cross-Site Scripting."

Understanding CVE-2023-5980

Let's delve deeper into the details of CVE-2023-5980 to understand its implications and how it affects systems.

What is CVE-2023-5980?

CVE-2023-5980 refers to a vulnerability found in the BSK Forms Blacklist WordPress plugin before version 3.7. This plugin fails to sanitize and escape certain settings, making it susceptible to high privilege users, such as admin, to carry out Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5980

The impact of CVE-2023-5980 is significant as it allows malicious actors with high privileges to execute arbitrary script code in the context of the affected site, potentially leading to unauthorized actions, data theft, or further system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5980

Understanding the technical aspects of CVE-2023-5980 is crucial for mitigating the risks associated with this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the inadequate sanitization and escaping of settings within the BSK Forms Blacklist plugin, enabling attackers to inject malicious scripts, leading to Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The BSK Forms Blacklist plugin versions prior to 3.7 are impacted by this vulnerability. Systems using versions lower than 3.7 are at risk of exploitation, particularly in scenarios where unfiltered_html capabilities are restricted.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-5980 involves leveraging the lack of proper input validation in the plugin's settings, allowing threat actors to insert malicious scripts that execute in the context of the targeted WordPress site, posing a severe security threat.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking immediate mitigation steps and implementing long-term security practices are essential in addressing the risks posed by CVE-2023-5980.

Immediate Steps to Take

Site administrators are advised to update the BSK Forms Blacklist plugin to version 3.7 or newer to remediate the vulnerability. Additionally, restricting access to sensitive capabilities and closely monitoring user inputs can help prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular security audits, and staying informed about plugin updates and security patches are critical for maintaining the integrity and security of WordPress websites.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates for all installed plugins, themes, and the WordPress core is crucial in addressing known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-5980. By staying vigilant and proactive in addressing security concerns, website owners can enhance their overall cybersecurity posture and protect against potential threats.