CVE-2023-0065 : What You Need to Know

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-0065, a vulnerability related to the i2 Pros & Cons WordPress plugin.

Understanding CVE-2023-0065

CVE-2023-0065 is a security vulnerability associated with the i2 Pros & Cons WordPress plugin version 1.3.1 and below. It allows users with the contributor role and above to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks due to inadequate validation and escaping of certain shortcode attributes.

What is CVE-2023-0065?

The CVE-2023-0065 vulnerability lies within the i2 Pros & Cons WordPress plugin versions up to 1.3.1. Attackers with contributor-level access or higher can exploit this flaw to inject malicious scripts into a website, leading to potential cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0065

The impact of CVE-2023-0065 is significant as it exposes vulnerable WordPress websites to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks. This could result in unauthorized script execution, potentially compromising user data, spreading malware, or performing other malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0065

The following technical details highlight the vulnerability, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism of CVE-2023-0065:

Vulnerability Description

The i2 Pros & Cons plugin version 1.3.1 and earlier fail to properly validate and escape certain shortcode attributes. This oversight enables users with contributor or higher roles to insert and execute malicious scripts within pages/posts where the plugin's shortcode is used, facilitating Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts the i2 Pros & Cons WordPress plugin up to version 1.3.1. Websites running this plugin are susceptible to exploitation by users with contributor privileges and above, putting them at risk of XSS attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the lack of input validation and escaping in the plugin's shortcode attributes, malicious users can craft and insert scripts that execute when the affected page/post is viewed. This allows them to conduct Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks, compromising the integrity and security of the website.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-0065 and prevent potential exploitation, it is crucial to take the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update: Ensure the i2 Pros & Cons plugin is updated to a secure version that addresses the vulnerability.
Access Control: Limit user privileges and roles to reduce the attack surface for potential exploiters.
Monitoring: Regularly monitor website activity for any signs of unauthorized script execution or suspicious behavior.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular Audits: Conduct security audits to identify and address any vulnerabilities within plugins and themes.
Secure Coding: Follow best practices for secure coding to prevent common vulnerabilities like XSS in custom plugins.
User Education: Educate users on safe practices, such as avoiding clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from untrusted sources.

Patching and Updates

It is imperative to stay informed about security patches and updates released by the plugin developers. Applying patches promptly and keeping all software components up to date is crucial in maintaining a secure WordPress environment.