CVE-2023-5086 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-5086 relates to a vulnerability identified in the Copy Anything to Clipboard plugin for WordPress, affecting versions up to and including 2.6.4. The vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level and above permissions to execute arbitrary web scripts by injecting them into pages.

Understanding CVE-2023-5086

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2023-5086 vulnerability, including its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-5086?

The Copy Anything to Clipboard plugin for WordPress, up to version 2.6.4, is susceptible to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'copy' shortcode. This vulnerability arises from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes, enabling attackers to insert malicious scripts that execute when accessed by users.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5086

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level permissions and above to inject and execute arbitrary web scripts within pages. This could lead to various malicious activities such as data theft, unauthorized actions, and further compromise of the affected WordPress sites.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5086

This section provides deeper insights into the vulnerability's technical aspects, affected systems, and the mechanism through which it can be exploited.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes, specifically via the 'copy' shortcode. Attackers can leverage this flaw to embed malicious scripts that execute when accessed by users with the required permissions.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts all systems utilizing the Copy Anything to Clipboard plugin for WordPress with versions up to and including 2.6.4. It is crucial to identify and update the affected systems promptly to mitigate the risk posed by this security flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with contributor-level and higher permissions can exploit this vulnerability by injecting crafted scripts via the 'copy' shortcode. Once successfully injected, these scripts execute within the context of the affected web pages, potentially leading to unauthorized actions and data compromise.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-5086 effectively, it is essential to implement immediate actions and adopt long-term security practices to enhance the overall protection of WordPress sites utilizing the vulnerable plugin.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Copy Anything to Clipboard plugin to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability.
Restrict user permissions to minimize the impact of potential attacks.
Monitor website activity for any signs of unauthorized script execution.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to ensure proper input validation and output escaping within plugins and themes.
Regularly audit and update all installed plugins and themes to mitigate potential security risks.
Educate users with elevated permissions about safe practices to prevent unauthorized script injections.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the affected plugin, Copy Anything to Clipboard, is updated to a version beyond 2.6.4, which includes fixes for the identified vulnerability. Regularly check for updates and apply patches promptly to maintain a secure WordPress environment.