CVE-2023-0146 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE, assigned by WPScan, involves a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Naver Map WordPress plugin up to version 1.1.0. It allows users with the contributor role and above to execute malicious code through shortcode attributes.

Understanding CVE-2023-0146

This section will delve into the details of the CVE-2023-0146 vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-0146?

CVE-2023-0146, also known as Naver Map <= 1.1.0 - Contributor+ Stored XSS, is a security flaw in the Naver Map WordPress plugin. It arises from the plugin's failure to properly validate and escape certain shortcode attributes, enabling contributors and higher roles to conduct Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0146

The vulnerability in Naver Map version 1.1.0 and below could be exploited by authorized users to inject and execute malicious scripts within the context of a user's session. This can lead to various security risks, including data theft, unauthorized actions on behalf of users, and site defacement.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0146

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-0146, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The issue in the Naver Map plugin resides in the inadequate validation and sanitization of certain shortcode attributes. As a result, attackers with contributor-level access or higher can insert malicious scripts within these attributes, potentially compromising site security and user data.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Naver Map plugin versions up to and including 1.1.0. Systems with this plugin installed and running version 1.1.0 or below are at risk of exploitation by privileged users to execute XSS attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the vulnerability in Naver Map plugin versions 1.1.0 and earlier, contributors and other authorized users can embed crafted shortcode attributes containing malicious scripts. When rendered on pages or posts, these scripts execute within the user's browser, leading to XSS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps to mitigate the CVE-2023-0146 vulnerability, including immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Site administrators are advised to update the Naver Map plugin to a secure version that addresses the XSS vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring user roles and permissions can help prevent unauthorized individuals from exploiting the issue.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance security posture, it is recommended to regularly audit and update plugins, adhere to secure coding practices, employ Content Security Policy (CSP), and educate users on recognizing and reporting suspicious activities on the site.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial for site owners to stay informed about security patches released by plugin developers. Applying updates promptly can help safeguard the site against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-0146 and ensure ongoing protection.