CVE-2023-0399 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-0399, a security vulnerability found in the Image Over Image For WPBakery Page Builder WordPress plugin.

Understanding CVE-2023-0399

CVE-2023-0399 is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability discovered in the Image Over Image For WPBakery Page Builder WordPress plugin version < 3.0. This vulnerability could allow users with the contributor role and above to execute malicious scripts on a website.

What is CVE-2023-0399?

The Image Over Image For WPBakery Page Builder WordPress plugin version < 3.0 fails to properly validate and escape certain shortcode attributes before displaying them on a webpage. This oversight can enable attackers with contributor-level access or higher to inject and execute harmful XSS attacks, potentially compromising the security and integrity of the website.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0399

Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to various security risks, including unauthorized access to sensitive information, manipulation of website content, and potentially the spread of malware to site visitors. It poses a significant threat to the confidentiality, availability, and overall security of the affected WordPress websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0399

The following technical aspects are crucial to understanding the CVE-2023-0399 vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the lack of adequate validation and sanitization of shortcode attributes in the Image Over Image For WPBakery Page Builder plugin, making it susceptible to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Unknown
Product: Image Over Image For WPBakery Page Builder
Versions Affected: < 3.0
Version Type: Custom
Collection URL: https://wordpress.org/plugins

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious shortcode attributes and embedding them within the plugin, tricking vulnerable websites into executing unauthorized scripts in the context of authenticated contributors or higher user roles.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-0399, website administrators and users are advised to take the following precautions:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Image Over Image For WPBakery Page Builder plugin to version 3.0 or higher.
Monitor website activity for any suspicious behavior or unauthorized script execution.
Restrict contributor-level access and above to trusted individuals only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security audits and vulnerability assessments for WordPress plugins.
Educate users on safe coding practices and the risks associated with XSS vulnerabilities.
Utilize web application firewalls and security plugins to enhance website security.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial for website owners to promptly apply security patches released by plugin developers and maintain up-to-date versions to mitigate the risks associated with known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-0399. Regularly updating plugins and monitoring security advisories can significantly reduce the likelihood of exploitation and enhance the overall security posture of WordPress websites.