CVE-2023-1090 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-1090 pertains to a vulnerability in the WP SMTP Mailing Queue plugin, specifically version 2.0.1 and below, that could potentially lead to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Understanding CVE-2023-1090

CVE-2023-1090 highlights a security issue within the WP SMTP Mailing Queue plugin, allowing high privilege users to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks despite certain restrictions.

What is CVE-2023-1090?

The vulnerability identified in CVE-2023-1090 refers to the lack of sanitization and escaping of certain settings within the SMTP Mailing Queue WordPress plugin before version 2.0.1. This oversight enables admin-level users to carry out Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks, even when capabilities such as unfiltered_html are restricted.

The Impact of CVE-2023-1090

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows malicious actors with elevated privileges to inject and execute malicious scripts on vulnerable websites, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, and other security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-1090

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the WP SMTP Mailing Queue plugin before version 2.0.1 arises from a failure to properly sanitize and escape certain settings. This oversight opens the door for admin users to exploit Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system is the WP SMTP Mailing Queue WordPress plugin, specifically versions prior to 2.0.1. Users utilizing versions 2.0.1 and above are not impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious users, particularly those with elevated admin privileges, can leverage this vulnerability to inject and execute malicious scripts through the plugin's settings, circumventing security restrictions in place.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-1090 and mitigate the associated risks, users and administrators are advised to take immediate steps and implement long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should promptly update the WP SMTP Mailing Queue plugin to version 2.0.1 or later to patch the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation. Additionally, restricting access to high privilege accounts can help mitigate the risk of unauthorized activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, it is crucial for website owners and administrators to regularly update plugins, themes, and core software to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly. Implementing security best practices, such as least privilege access and code reviews, can also enhance overall website security.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring for security updates and patch releases from plugin developers is essential. Promptly applying patches and updates can help safeguard websites against known vulnerabilities and emerging threats, ensuring a more secure online presence.