Content Management Systems (CMS) are frequent targets for cyber attacks because they are widely used to power websites. In 2023, a vulnerability was found in Rite CMS version 3.—CVE-2023-43879—that allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary JavaScript code using a technique called Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). This vulnerability lies within the “Global Content Blocks” feature in the administration menu, making it particularly dangerous since it targets website administrators.

In this long read, we’ll break down how CVE-2023-43879 works, show how attackers use it, and provide concrete code snippets and links to official advisories.

What Is CVE-2023-43879?

CVE-2023-43879 is a stored (persistent) XSS vulnerability in Rite CMS version 3.. The flaw exists because user input into the “Global Content Blocks” is not properly sanitized before being stored and rendered. This allows an attacker to inject JavaScript that executes in the browser of anyone who views the affected content block.

Attack Scenario:
- An attacker with access to the admin panel, or tricking an admin into using a malicious payload, can add a dangerous script inside a Global Content Block.
- When any user with sufficient privileges visits the section rendering this block, the script executes in their browser, with their permissions.

The Vulnerable Feature

“Global Content Blocks” in Rite CMS let admins add reusable pieces of content (like headers, footers, or banners) across the site. Unfortunately, this feature does not filter or sanitize input from the rich text editor, as it should.

Crafting the Attack

Suppose an attacker gets access to the CMS admin (which often happens through phishing or by using weak credentials). They can create a new Global Content Block with the following JavaScript payload:

<script>alert('XSS by CVE-2023-43879')</script>

When saved, this code is stored without any filtering. Anyone visiting any page or section that displays this Global Block triggers the alert box (or worse, a stealthy payload that steals cookies or session tokens).

Screenshot

(For security reasons, this section describes without including a real screenshot.)

Why This Matters

XSS vulnerabilities are a powerful weapon for attackers. In Rite CMS 3., this means an attacker could:

Mitigation

Fix:
Apply the official patch or update to the latest Rite CMS version, where input into Global Content Blocks is sanitized.

References

- CVE-2023-43879 Official NVD Entry
- Exploit Database Entry *(If available)*
- Rite CMS Documentation
- OWASP XSS Overview

Conclusion

CVE-2023-43879 is a serious XSS vulnerability in Rite CMS 3., allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious code via Global Content Blocks. If you run Rite CMS on your site, upgrade as soon as possible and check your content blocks for suspicious code. This is a textbook reminder: never trust user input—always sanitize and escape!

Timeline

Published on: 09/28/2023 15:15:12 UTC
Last modified on: 09/29/2023 16:35:38 UTC