CVE-2023-47811 in Anywhere Flash Embed Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/23/2023
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Suresh KUMAR Mukhiya Anywhere Flash Embed plugin <= 1.0.5 versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2023
The CVE-2023-47811 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Anywhere Flash Embed plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions up to and including 1.0.5. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. The issue stems from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize and neutralize user input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web pages, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary script code into web browsers. The vulnerability exists in the plugin's handling of user-provided parameters that are used to generate flash embed content, where input validation is insufficient to prevent script injection attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input containing script code within the parameters used by the Anywhere Flash Embed plugin. When the plugin processes this input without proper sanitization, the injected scripts execute in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected pages. This allows attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, defacement of web pages, and redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the web application level where user interaction is required for exploitation, making it a prime target for social engineering attacks. The XSS flaw demonstrates poor input handling practices that violate fundamental security principles of defensive programming and input validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors that compromise entire user sessions and potentially lead to full system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal cookies, session tokens, and other sensitive information from authenticated users, effectively impersonating them within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability also poses risks to website integrity, as malicious actors can modify content, redirect users to phishing sites, or use the compromised plugin as a foothold for further attacks within the web application ecosystem. Additionally, the presence of this vulnerability can result in reputational damage, regulatory compliance issues, and potential legal consequences for website operators who fail to maintain secure software versions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-47811 should prioritize immediate remediation through plugin updates to versions that address the XSS vulnerability. System administrators must ensure that all WordPress installations maintain current plugin versions and implement comprehensive security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to prevent script execution from untrusted sources. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar input validation flaws across the entire web application stack. Organizations should also establish robust patch management processes and maintain awareness of security advisories from sources like the WordPress Security Team and the National Vulnerability Database. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of input sanitization and proper output encoding as fundamental security controls that align with the principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.