CVE-2023-0165 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2023-0165 affecting Cost Calculator plugin <= 1.8, enabling XSS attacks by contributors and above. Take immediate steps for security.
This article will cover the details and impact of CVE-2023-0165, a vulnerability identified in the Cost Calculator WordPress plugin version 1.8 and below.
Understanding CVE-2023-0165
The Cost Calculator <= 1.8 - Contributor+ Stored XSS vulnerability, identified by WPScan, allows users with the contributor role and above to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks due to inadequate validation of shortcode attributes.
What is CVE-2023-0165?
CVE-2023-0165 refers to a specific security flaw found in the Cost Calculator WordPress plugin version 1.8 and earlier. This vulnerability enables users with contributor-level access and higher to carry out Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks within the plugin.
The Impact of CVE-2023-0165
The impact of CVE-2023-0165 is significant as it opens the door for malicious contributors and higher-level users to inject and execute harmful scripts on pages or posts where the shortcode is implemented, potentially leading to unauthorized actions and compromised website integrity.
Technical Details of CVE-2023-0165
Understanding the technical aspects of CVE-2023-0165 can help in addressing and mitigating the vulnerability effectively.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in the Cost Calculator plugin arises from the lack of proper validation and escaping of certain shortcode attributes. This oversight allows malicious users to insert and execute arbitrary scripts on pages or posts containing the affected shortcode.
Affected Systems and Versions
The Cost Calculator plugin versions up to and including 1.8 are impacted by this vulnerability. Users utilizing these specific versions are at risk of exploitation by contributors and higher role users.
Exploitation Mechanism
By taking advantage of the inadequate validation of shortcode attributes, malicious users with contributor-level access and above can inject harmful scripts that will be executed when the affected shortcode is rendered on a webpage, potentially leading to XSS attacks.
Mitigation and Prevention
To safeguard your website and users from the risks associated with CVE-2023-0165, prompt actions and security measures are essential.
Immediate Steps to Take
Website administrators and developers should consider immediately updating the Cost Calculator plugin to a secure version beyond 1.8, which addresses the vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring user roles and permissions to restrict access for potentially malicious contributors is advisable.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular security audits, and educating users about the risks of XSS attacks are crucial for maintaining website security in the long term. Ensuring timely updates and patches for all plugins can also minimize the chances of similar vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Staying informed about security updates and patches released by plugin developers is vital. Regularly checking for new versions of the Cost Calculator plugin and promptly applying updates can help mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-0165.