CVE-2023-0150 : What You Need to Know

This article provides insight into CVE-2023-0150, a vulnerability identified in the Cloak Front End Email WordPress plugin before version 1.9.2 that can potentially lead to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks by users with the contributor role and above.

Understanding CVE-2023-0150

In this section, we will delve into the details of CVE-2023-0150 and understand its implications.

What is CVE-2023-0150?

CVE-2023-0150, also known as "Cloak Front End Email < 1.9.2 - Contributor+ Stored XSS," is a vulnerability found in the Cloak Front End Email WordPress plugin. It arises from the plugin's failure to properly validate and escape certain shortcode attributes before displaying them on a page or post, creating a potential avenue for Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0150

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it enables users with the contributor role and higher privileges to inject malicious scripts into the plugin's output, potentially compromising the security and integrity of the affected WordPress websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0150

This section will provide a detailed overview of the technical aspects of CVE-2023-0150.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Cloak Front End Email plugin stems from its lack of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms for certain shortcode attributes. This oversight allows attackers with contributor-level access or higher to insert malicious scripts, leading to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts the Cloak Front End Email WordPress plugin versions prior to 1.9.2. Websites running versions earlier than 1.9.2 are susceptible to exploitation if not promptly addressed.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the lack of input validation in the plugin's shortcode attributes, malicious users with contributor or above roles can inject harmful scripts into the plugin's output. This can result in the execution of unauthorized code within the context of the affected WordPress site, facilitating various nefarious activities.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we will explore measures to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-0150 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators are advised to update the Cloak Front End Email plugin to version 1.9.2 or newer to patch the vulnerability and prevent exploitation. Additionally, monitoring user roles and permissions to limit contributor access can help reduce the attack surface.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust input validation and output sanitization practices in WordPress plugins can enhance overall security posture and prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Regular security audits and monitoring can also aid in the early detection of potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Staying vigilant about plugin updates and applying patches promptly is crucial to addressing known vulnerabilities and ensuring the continued security of WordPress websites. Regularly monitoring security advisories and staying informed about potential risks can aid in proactive risk mitigation efforts.