CVE-2023-0149 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE, assigned by WPScan, pertains to a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the WordPrezi WordPress plugin version prior to 0.9.

Understanding CVE-2023-0149

This section will discuss the details and impact of CVE-2023-0149, along with mitigation strategies to address the vulnerability effectively.

What is CVE-2023-0149?

The CVE-2023-0149 vulnerability exists in the WordPrezi WordPress plugin before version 0.9. It occurs due to the plugin failing to validate and escape certain shortcode attributes before displaying them on a page or post where the shortcode is utilized. This oversight enables users with the contributor role and higher to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0149

Exploiting this vulnerability could allow malicious contributors or higher-role users to inject malicious scripts into the plugin's output, potentially leading to unauthorized actions, data manipulation, or further exploitation of the affected WordPress site.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0149

In this section, we will dive deeper into the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-0149 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the lack of proper validation and sanitization of shortcode attributes in the WordPrezi plugin, enabling malicious contributors to insert harmful scripts.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is WordPrezi plugin versions less than 0.9, and users with contributor rights or higher are capable of exploiting the vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the lack of input validation in the plugin, attackers can embed malicious scripts through certain shortcode attributes, leading to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from CVE-2023-0149, swift actions need to be taken to mitigate risks and prevent potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators should update the WordPrezi plugin to version 0.9 or above to eliminate the vulnerability. It is also crucial to monitor user permissions and audit content to prevent unauthorized script injections.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures, including regular security audits, user role management, and secure coding practices, can help enhance the overall security posture of WordPress installations.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating WordPress plugins and themes, along with staying informed about security patches and best practices, is essential to mitigate the risk of CVE-2023-0149 and similar vulnerabilities.