CVE-2023-2111 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-2111, a vulnerability identified in the HollerBox WordPress plugin.

Understanding CVE-2023-2111

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-2111, shedding light on the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-2111?

CVE-2023-2111 refers to a security flaw found in the Fast & Effective Popups & Lead-Generation for WordPress plugin, version 2.1.4 and below. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of user input in an SQL query within the plugin's report API endpoint.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2111

The vulnerability could be exploited by administrators in a multi-site configuration to execute SQL injection attacks. This could potentially lead to the exposure of sensitive information stored in the site's database, posing a significant risk to data confidentiality and integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2111

In this section, we explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-2111, including how the vulnerability can be described, the systems affected, and the exploitation mechanism involved.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the HollerBox plugin arises from the concatenation of user input into an SQL query without proper escaping, opening the door to SQL injection attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Fast & Effective Popups & Lead-Generation for WordPress plugin versions below 2.1.4 are susceptible to this SQL injection vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the vulnerability in the plugin's report API endpoint, malicious actors could inject malicious SQL queries and potentially extract sensitive information from the site's database.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section covers the recommended steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-2111 and prevent potential exploitation of the vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the HollerBox plugin to version 2.1.4 or higher to patch the SQL injection vulnerability.
Regularly monitor and audit user inputs and data handling processes to detect and prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks.
Educate administrators and developers on secure coding practices to minimize the risk of vulnerabilities in plugins and extensions.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by plugin developers and promptly apply them to ensure that your WordPress site is protected against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-2111.