CVE-2023-5110 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-5110 vulnerability pertains to the BSK PDF Manager plugin for WordPress, allowing for Stored Cross-Site Scripting due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. Attackers with contributor-level permissions can inject malicious scripts via a specific shortcode, potentially executing arbitrary web scripts on accessed pages.

Understanding CVE-2023-5110

This section delves into the nature and impact of CVE-2023-5110.

What is CVE-2023-5110?

CVE-2023-5110 is a vulnerability in the BSK PDF Manager plugin for WordPress that enables Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks through a specific shortcode. The flaw arises from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping, granting authorized attackers the ability to insert harmful web scripts.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5110

The impact of CVE-2023-5110 is significant as it allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level permissions or higher to inject malicious web scripts. This vulnerability can lead to the execution of arbitrary code within the context of the website, potentially compromising user data and website integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5110

Explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-5110 to better understand its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the BSK PDF Manager plugin for WordPress arises from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, specifically in the 'bsk-pdfm-category-dropdown' shortcode. This flaw enables attackers to insert and execute arbitrary web scripts on affected pages.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is the BSK PDF Manager plugin for WordPress, with versions up to and including 3.4.1 being vulnerable to the Stored Cross-Site Scripting issue. Users with impacted versions are at risk of potential exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

CVE-2023-5110 can be exploited by authenticated attackers with contributor-level permissions or higher. By leveraging the vulnerable 'bsk-pdfm-category-dropdown' shortcode, attackers can inject malicious web scripts that execute whenever a user accesses an affected page.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-5110 and safeguard WordPress websites using the BSK PDF Manager plugin.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators should immediately update the BSK PDF Manager plugin to version 3.4.2 or newer to address the Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring user-contributed content for malicious scripts is advisable to prevent further exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strict input validation and output escaping practices within plugins and themes can enhance overall website security. Regular security assessments and audits are crucial to identify and remediate vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by plugin developers. Timely installation of patches and updates can help protect WordPress websites from known vulnerabilities such as CVE-2023-5110.