CVE-2023-0893 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record, assigned by WPScan, pertains to a vulnerability in the Time Sheets WordPress plugin before version 1.29.3, allowing high privilege users to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Understanding CVE-2023-0893

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-0893, highlighting the vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-0893?

The Time Sheets WordPress plugin before version 1.29.3 is susceptible to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks due to inadequate sanitization and escaping of certain settings. This flaw enables high privilege users, such as admins, to execute malicious scripts even in scenarios where unfiltered_html capability is restricted.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0893

The vulnerability in the Time Sheets WordPress plugin could be exploited by attackers with elevated privileges to inject and execute malicious scripts within the plugin's settings, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0893

In this section, the technical aspects of CVE-2023-0893 are explored, including vulnerability description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The Time Sheets WordPress plugin version prior to 1.29.3 fails to properly sanitize and escape certain settings, creating opportunities for high privilege users to inject malicious scripts through Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Time Sheets plugin versions before 1.29.3, with high privilege users, like admins, having the potential to exploit it.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with sufficient privileges can leverage the lack of sanitization in the plugin's settings to inject malicious scripts, bypassing security restrictions and executing harmful actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-0893 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the Time Sheets plugin to version 1.29.3 or higher to safeguard against the vulnerability.
Implement strict access controls and least privilege principles to limit the impact of high privilege user actions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update WordPress plugins to ensure they are running the latest secure versions.
Educate users on secure coding practices and the risks associated with elevated privileges to mitigate potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Patch management is crucial to address security vulnerabilities promptly. Maintain a routine for updating plugins, themes, and WordPress core to stay protected against known vulnerabilities.