CVE-2023-44796 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in LimeSurvey before version 6.2.9-230925 allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges via a crafted script to the _generaloptions_panel.php component.

Understanding CVE-2023-44796

This article discusses the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2023-44796.

What is CVE-2023-44796?

The CVE-2023-44796 is a Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in LimeSurvey versions before 6.2.9-230925. It enables a remote attacker to elevate privileges using a specially crafted script.

The Impact of CVE-2023-44796

The vulnerability in LimeSurvey could result in an attacker gaining higher access privileges than intended, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-44796

Below are the technical aspects of CVE-2023-44796:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows an attacker to execute malicious scripts in the context of the targeted user's session, leading to privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

All LimeSurvey versions prior to 6.2.9-230925 are affected by this XSS vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into the _generaloptions_panel.php component of LimeSurvey, tricking users into executing them.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-44796, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update LimeSurvey to version 6.2.9-230925 or later to eliminate the vulnerability.
Educate users about the risks of executing untrusted scripts or content.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and updates from LimeSurvey for any new vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply vendor-supplied patches promptly to ensure that your LimeSurvey installation is secure.