CVE-2023-0073 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides details on CVE-2023-0073, a vulnerability affecting the Client Logo Carousel WordPress plugin.

Understanding CVE-2023-0073

CVE-2023-0073, also known as "Client Logo Carousel <= 3.0.0 - Contributor+ Stored XSS", is a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the Client Logo Carousel WordPress plugin.

What is CVE-2023-0073?

The Client Logo Carousel plugin version 3.0.0 and below is susceptible to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks. This occurs due to inadequate validation and escaping of certain shortcode attributes before displaying them on a page or post where the shortcode is used. As a result, users with the contributor role or higher could exploit this vulnerability.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0073

This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers with contributor-level access or above to inject malicious scripts into the plugin's shortcode attributes. This could lead to unauthorized actions, data theft, or defacement of the affected website.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0073

The following technical aspects are related to CVE-2023-0073:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Client Logo Carousel plugin allows contributors and higher roles to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks by manipulating certain shortcode attributes without proper validation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects versions of the Client Logo Carousel plugin up to and including version 3.0.0.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the lack of input validation in the plugin's shortcode attributes, attackers can insert malicious scripts that get executed when the shortcode is rendered on a page or post.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-0073 and mitigate the associated risks, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or remove the Client Logo Carousel plugin if it is not essential for website functionality.
Ensure that the plugin is updated to the latest secure version to patch the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor for any suspicious activities on the website that may indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security audits and vulnerability scans on WordPress plugins to identify and address potential issues promptly.
Educate website administrators and users about best practices for secure coding and plugin usage to prevent similar incidents.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories related to WordPress plugins and update them promptly to apply security patches.
Check the official plugin repository for Client Logo Carousel for any available fixes or updates to address CVE-2023-0073.