CVE-2023-0768 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-0768, a vulnerability in the Avirato hotels online booking engine WordPress plugin.

Understanding CVE-2023-0768

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-0768, shedding light on its nature and potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-0768?

CVE-2023-0768 is a SQL Injection vulnerability identified in the Avirato hotels online booking engine WordPress plugin version 5.0.5 and below. This vulnerability arises due to the plugin's failure to validate and escape certain shortcode attributes before utilizing them in SQL statements. As a result, authenticated users, like subscribers, can exploit this flaw to execute SQL injection attacks, potentially compromising the security and integrity of the affected system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0768

The impact of CVE-2023-0768 is significant as it allows malicious users to manipulate SQL queries, enabling them to access, modify, or delete sensitive data stored in the database. This can lead to unauthorized data disclosure, data manipulation, and in severe cases, complete system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0768

In this section, we delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-0768, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Avirato hotels online booking engine WordPress plugin version 5.0.5 and below stems from the lack of proper validation and escaping of shortcode attributes. This oversight allows authenticated users to craft malicious input that can be injected into SQL queries, bypassing security mechanisms and executing unauthorized database operations.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Avirato hotels online booking engine WordPress plugin versions up to and including 5.0.5 are affected by CVE-2023-0768. Users utilizing these versions are at risk of exploitation if adequate mitigations are not implemented promptly.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-0768 involves authenticated users, such as subscribers, leveraging the lack of input validation in the plugin to inject malicious SQL commands. By crafting specially crafted input, attackers can execute arbitrary SQL queries, potentially leading to data leakage, data manipulation, or even complete system compromise.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps users can take to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-0768 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to the latest version: Users should update the Avirato hotels online booking engine WordPress plugin to a version that contains a patch for CVE-2023-0768.
Monitor user activities: Administrators should closely monitor user activities, especially those with subscriber privileges, to detect any anomalous behavior that might indicate SQL injection attempts.
Implement security plugins: Utilize security plugins that can help detect and prevent SQL injection attacks on WordPress websites.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits: Perform routine security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins and themes.
Educate users: Educate users on best security practices, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and avoiding suspicious links.
Stay informed: Stay informed about the latest security threats and vulnerabilities affecting WordPress plugins and themes to proactively protect your website.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for plugin updates and security patches released by the developer to address known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-0768. Promptly apply these updates to ensure your website remains secure and protected against potential exploits.