CVE-2023-0691 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability in the Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder plugin for WordPress, identified under the CVE-2023-0691 identifier. The vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with specific user capabilities to access sensitive information via a particular shortcode, potentially leading to information disclosure.

Understanding CVE-2023-0691

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-0691 and its implications.

What is CVE-2023-0691?

CVE-2023-0691 relates to an information disclosure vulnerability present in the Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder plugin for WordPress. Specifically, the flaw occurs through the 'mf_last_name' shortcode in versions up to and including 3.3.1. Attackers with subscriber-level privileges or higher can exploit this vulnerability to retrieve sensitive data related to arbitrary form submissions, particularly the submitter's last name.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0691

The exploitation of CVE-2023-0691 could result in the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information stored within form submissions on affected WordPress websites. This breach of privacy could lead to potential misuse of personal data by malicious actors, raising significant security concerns for both website owners and users.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0691

This section provides a deeper insight into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-0691.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder plugin allows attackers with appropriate access credentials to extract sensitive data through a specific shortcode, ultimately leading to unauthorized access to confidential information.

Affected Systems and Versions

The issue affects versions of the Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder plugin up to and including version 3.3.1. Websites utilizing these vulnerable versions are at risk of information disclosure if exploited by threat actors.

Exploitation Mechanism

Authenticated attackers with subscriber-level permissions or above can abuse the 'mf_last_name' shortcode to extract sensitive data regarding form submissions, specifically retrieving the last names of individuals who submitted the forms.

Mitigation and Prevention

In response to CVE-2023-0691, it is crucial to implement effective mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable systems and prevent potential security incidents.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators should consider temporarily disabling or removing the vulnerable Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder plugin until a patch or update is available to address the information disclosure vulnerability. Additionally, closely monitoring website logs and user activities can help detect any unauthorized access attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance overall cybersecurity posture, organizations should conduct regular security assessments, including vulnerability scanning and penetration testing, to identify and remediate any potential weaknesses in their WordPress plugins or extensions. Implementing robust access control measures and user permissions can also help limit the impact of similar authorization bypass vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Staying informed about security advisories and promptly applying patches released by plugin developers is essential for safeguarding WordPress sites against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-0691. Regularly updating plugins and themes to their latest secure versions can help mitigate the risk of exploitation and enhance the overall security of WordPress installations.