CVE-2023-5252 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE entry pertains to a vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-5252 in the FareHarbor plugin for WordPress. The vulnerability allows for Stored Cross-Site Scripting through shortcodes in versions up to and including 3.6.7. Attackers with contributor-level permissions and above can exploit this issue to inject malicious scripts into pages, potentially impacting users who access these compromised pages.

Understanding CVE-2023-5252

This section provides insights into the nature of the CVE-2023-5252 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-5252?

CVE-2023-5252 is a vulnerability in the FareHarbor plugin for WordPress that enables Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks. The flaw arises from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes, allowing authenticated attackers to inject harmful scripts into pages.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5252

The impact of CVE-2023-5252 is significant as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts on compromised pages. This could lead to various malicious activities targeting unsuspecting users, potentially compromising the security and integrity of the website.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5252

Exploring the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-5252 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the FareHarbor plugin for WordPress allows for Stored Cross-Site Scripting via shortcodes in versions up to and including 3.6.7. Insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes facilitate this exploit.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system is the FareHarbor for WordPress plugin, specifically versions up to and including 3.6.7. Users utilizing these versions are at risk of falling victim to the Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with contributor-level permissions and above can leverage this vulnerability to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages. These malicious scripts execute whenever a user accesses the compromised page, potentially leading to further exploitation.

Mitigation and Prevention

Effective strategies to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-5252.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the FareHarbor for WordPress plugin to a secure version that patches the vulnerability.
Monitor for any suspicious activity on the website, especially on pages that could have been affected.
Limit user permissions to reduce the impact of potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and update plugins and themes to ensure the website's security.
Educate users on best practices to prevent falling victim to social engineering tactics used in conjunction with such vulnerabilities.
Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to provide an added layer of protection against such exploits.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security releases for the FareHarbor for WordPress plugin and promptly apply any patches or updates provided by the plugin developer to address known vulnerabilities and enhance overall security posture.