CVE-2023-1403 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-1403 involves a vulnerability in the Weaver Xtreme Theme for WordPress, allowing for stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks in versions up to and including 5.0.7. Authenticated attackers with contributor-level permissions or higher can inject malicious scripts that execute when a user accesses the compromised page.

Understanding CVE-2023-1403

This section delves into the details, impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2023-1403.

What is CVE-2023-1403?

The CVE-2023-1403 vulnerability affects the Weaver Xtreme Theme for WordPress, specifically due to inadequate escaping of the profile display name. This weakness permits authenticated attackers to inject harmful web scripts, potentially leading to Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2023-1403

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers with specific permissions to execute arbitrary scripts within the context of a user's session. This can result in unauthorized actions on the website, data theft, or other malicious activities as initiated by the attacker.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-1403

Understanding the technical aspects of this CVE is crucial to implement effective mitigation strategies.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from the insufficient escaping of the profile display name in the Weaver Xtreme Theme, making it susceptible to stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks. Attackers with contributor-level permissions or higher can exploit this flaw.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Weaver Xtreme versions up to and including 5.0.7. Users operating on these versions are at risk of exploitation by authenticated attackers.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can leverage the vulnerability by injecting malicious web scripts via the profile display name field. These scripts execute when a user accesses the compromised page, potentially leading to Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking immediate steps, adopting long-term security practices, and ensuring timely patching are essential to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-1403.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators should update the Weaver Xtreme Theme to a version beyond 5.0.7 to safeguard against this vulnerability. Additionally, closely monitoring user permissions and activities can help detect and prevent unauthorized script injections.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular security audits, and providing security training for website administrators and contributors can enhance the overall security posture of WordPress websites.

Patching and Updates

Staying informed about security updates released by the theme vendor, applying patches promptly, and maintaining up-to-date versions of all installed themes and plugins are crucial steps in preventing exploitation of known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-1403.