CVE-2023-2028 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-2028 involves a vulnerability in the Call Now Accessibility Button WordPress plugin, allowing high-privilege users to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.

Understanding CVE-2023-2028

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2023-2028 vulnerability in the Call Now Accessibility Button plugin.

What is CVE-2023-2028?

The Call Now Accessibility Button WordPress plugin version 1.1 and below fails to properly sanitize certain settings. This oversight enables high-privilege users to carry out Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks, even when the unfiltered_html capability is disallowed.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2028

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows malicious users with elevated privileges to inject and execute harmful scripts on affected websites, potentially leading to data theft, account hijacking, or other malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2028

Understanding the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-2028 vulnerability can help in assessing and mitigating the risk it poses.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the plugin's inadequate sanitization of settings, providing an avenue for attackers to inject malicious scripts into the site, leading to XSS attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product, "Call Now Accessibility Button," specifically versions less than 1.1 are vulnerable to this exploit. Users utilizing version 1.1 of the plugin and below are at risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the lack of proper input sanitization in the plugin's settings, threat actors can insert malicious scripts that get executed when a privileged user accesses the affected portion of the site, leading to XSS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to implement mitigation strategies to safeguard against CVE-2023-2028 and prevent potential exploitation of the vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade the Call Now Accessibility Button plugin to version 1.1 or above to patch the vulnerability and enhance security.
Regularly monitor and review user roles and permissions to restrict unnecessary privileges that could be exploited by attackers.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintain a proactive approach to security by conducting regular security audits and vulnerability assessments of WordPress plugins.
Educate website administrators and users on best practices to avoid falling victim to XSS attacks and other common exploits.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates released by plugin developers and promptly apply patches to vulnerable plugins like the Call Now Accessibility Button to mitigate potential risks associated with CVE-2023-2028.