CVE-2023-0993 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-0993 relates to a vulnerability in the Shield Security plugin for WordPress, allowing authenticated attackers to manipulate audit log entries and potentially execute Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Understanding CVE-2023-0993

The vulnerability identified in CVE-2023-0993 affects the Shield Security plugin for WordPress, specifically impacting versions up to and including 17.0.17. Attackers with authentication can exploit this flaw to falsify audit log entries and exploit Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities linked to CVE-2023-0992.

What is CVE-2023-0993?

CVE-2023-0993 exposes a Missing Authorization weakness in the 'theme-plugin-file' AJAX action of the Shield Security plugin for WordPress, enabling authenticated malicious users to tamper with audit logs and potentially execute Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0993

The vulnerability poses a medium severity threat, with a CVSS base score of 4.3. By exploiting CVE-2023-0993, attackers can manipulate audit logs and launch Cross-Site Scripting attacks, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0993

The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-862 Missing Authorization and has been found in versions of the Shield Security plugin for WordPress up to and including 17.0.17.

Vulnerability Description

CVE-2023-0993 allows authenticated attackers to forge audit log entries and exploit Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities by abusing the 'theme-plugin-file' AJAX action within the Shield Security plugin for WordPress.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is the Shield Security – Smart Bot Blocking & Intrusion Prevention plugin by paultgoodchild, with versions up to 17.0.17 being vulnerable to this exploit.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attacks leveraging CVE-2023-0993 require authentication to the Shield Security plugin for WordPress. By manipulating the 'theme-plugin-file' AJAX action, attackers can falsify audit log entries and launch Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-0993, immediate actions must be taken to secure the Shield Security plugin for WordPress and prevent exploitation by malicious actors.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade the Shield Security plugin to version 17.0.18 or higher to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor and review audit logs for any unauthorized alterations.
Implement strong authentication measures to prevent unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all plugins and themes to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate users on safe practices to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Patching and Updates

Developers should release timely updates with security fixes to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-0993 efficiently. Users must promptly apply these patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation and enhance the security posture of their WordPress websites.