CVE-2023-47417 in DZSlides
Summary
by MITRE • 11/20/2023
Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the component /shells/embedder.html of DZSlides after v2011.07.25 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted payload.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-47417 represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within the DZSlides presentation framework, specifically affecting the /shells/embedder.html component. This issue emerged after the v2011.07.25 version release, indicating a regression or inadequate input validation that has persisted for over a decade. The vulnerability resides in the embedded shell component that is designed to facilitate the integration of slideshows into other web applications, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit web application security weaknesses. The affected component operates as a bridge between the presentation framework and external web environments, creating an attack surface where malicious input can be executed within the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical flaw manifests through insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input within the embedder.html component, allowing attackers to inject malicious javascript code that will execute when the page loads. This vulnerability operates under the CWE-79 classification as a classic cross site scripting attack, where the application fails to properly validate or escape user-controllable data before incorporating it into dynamic web content. The flaw enables attackers to craft malicious payloads that can manipulate the presentation environment, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the embedding mechanism itself, meaning that any website or application that utilizes DZSlides for presentations could become compromised when the vulnerable component processes malicious input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that leverage the presentation framework's capabilities. An attacker could potentially use this vulnerability to steal cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or even execute more complex attacks such as credential harvesting or privilege escalation within the context of the victim's browser session. The long-standing nature of this vulnerability, existing since the v2011.07.25 release, suggests that numerous organizations may be running exposed systems that have not received updates, creating a widespread attack surface. The vulnerability's persistence indicates poor security hygiene in the software's maintenance and the lack of proper input validation mechanisms within the framework's core components, making it a significant concern for organizations that rely on legacy presentation systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-47417 should prioritize immediate patching of affected DZSlides installations to the latest secure versions that address the input validation deficiencies. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures that filter and escape all user-controllable data before processing, aligning with the principle of least privilege and defense in depth strategies. The implementation of content security policies (CSP) can provide additional protection layers by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded, effectively mitigating the impact of potential XSS payloads. Regular security audits of web applications that utilize DZSlides or similar frameworks should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities, with particular attention to legacy components that may not receive regular security updates. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect suspicious patterns in traffic related to XSS attempts, and security teams should maintain awareness of the ATT&CK framework's relevant techniques for command and control operations that may leverage such vulnerabilities for persistent access to compromised systems.