CVE-2023-0389 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2023-0389 involves a vulnerability found in the Calculated Fields Form WordPress plugin before version 1.1.151, allowing high privilege users to conduct Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks, even when certain capabilities are restricted.

Understanding CVE-2023-0389

This section provides an insight into the nature of the CVE-2023-0389 vulnerability and its potential impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-0389?

CVE-2023-0389 is a vulnerability in the Calculated Fields Form WordPress plugin where certain form settings are not properly sanitized, enabling admin users to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks, even in scenarios where specific capabilities are restricted, such as in a multisite setup.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0389

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows malicious admin users to inject malicious scripts through form settings, potentially leading to unauthorized actions, data theft, or the manipulation of website content.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0389

In this section, we will delve deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-0389, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from the lack of proper sanitization and escape measures in certain form settings of the Calculated Fields Form plugin, providing a loophole for admin users to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system in this case is the Calculated Fields Form WordPress plugin version 1.1.151 and below, with the vulnerability present in versions prior to this release.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious admin users can exploit this vulnerability by inputting crafted scripts into dropdown fields within the plugin's form settings, leading to the execution of harmful actions on the website.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2023-0389 requires immediate actions to secure the affected systems and implement long-term security practices. Additionally, applying relevant patches and updates is crucial to preventing exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to update the Calculated Fields Form plugin to version 1.1.151 or above to mitigate the vulnerability. Admins should also review and sanitize user inputs to prevent malicious scripts from being executed.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strict input validation, enforcing the principle of least privilege for user roles, and regularly monitoring system activities can help enhance the overall security posture and prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Users are advised to regularly check for updates from the plugin developer and promptly apply patches to ensure that the latest security fixes are in place, reducing the risk of exploitation through known vulnerabilities.