CVE-2023-0689 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE was published by Wordfence on August 31, 2023, and it pertains to a vulnerability found in the Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder WordPress plugin.

Understanding CVE-2023-0689

This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with subscriber-level capabilities or above to access sensitive information through the 'mf_first_name' shortcode in versions up to and including 3.3.1 of the plugin.

What is CVE-2023-0689?

CVE-2023-0689 is an Information Disclosure vulnerability that affects the Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder plugin for WordPress. It enables attackers to obtain sensitive information about form submissions, including the submitter's first name.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0689

The impact of this CVE is medium, with a CVSS base score of 4.3. If exploited, attackers with specific permissions can potentially access sensitive data, compromising user privacy and confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0689

The following technical details provide a deeper insight into the vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the 'mf_first_name' shortcode of the Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder plugin, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive form submission data.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects versions up to and including 3.3.1 of the Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder plugin by xpeedstudio.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with subscriber-level privileges or higher can exploit the vulnerability to retrieve confidential information through the vulnerable shortcode.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-0689 and enhance security measures, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade the Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder plugin to a version beyond 3.3.1 to eliminate the vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict user access rights to minimize the impact of potential exploitation.
Educate users on safe data handling practices to prevent unauthorized information disclosure.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and update plugins to ensure the latest security patches are implemented.
Conduct security assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Implement least privilege principles to restrict user permissions and limit exposure to sensitive data.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply patches released by plugin developers to mitigate vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-0689. Regularly updating plugins and maintaining a secure configuration are crucial components of a robust security posture.