CVE-2023-22694 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2023-22694 was assigned by Patchstack and was published on July 10, 2023. It pertains to a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability found in the BigContact Contact Page plugin version 1.5.8 or below.

Understanding CVE-2023-22694

This vulnerability poses a security risk to websites utilizing the BigContact Contact Page plugin, exposing them to potential CSRF attacks.

What is CVE-2023-22694?

CVE-2023-22694 is a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability discovered in the BigContact Contact Page plugin version 1.5.8 or lower. This vulnerability could allow malicious actors to perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users.

The Impact of CVE-2023-22694

The impact of this vulnerability is considered to be of medium severity, with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 4.3. If exploited, it could lead to unauthorized actions being performed on the affected website.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-22694

This section provides in-depth technical details regarding the CVE-2023-22694 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the BigContact Contact Page plugin version 1.5.8 or earlier, allowing attackers to execute Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system is the BigContact Contact Page plugin by Arian Khosravi and Norik Davtian, specifically versions 1.5.8 and below.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited through CSRF attacks, where unauthorized commands can be executed on the affected system.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-22694.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the BigContact Contact Page plugin to a version that addresses the CSRF vulnerability.
Implement web application firewalls (WAFs) to help detect and block CSRF attacks.
Educate users about the risks of clicking on untrusted links or performing actions on unverified websites.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update plugins, themes, and core files to ensure the security of the WordPress website.
Conduct security audits and vulnerability assessments periodically to identify and address potential security gaps.
Stay informed about security best practices and emerging threats in the cybersecurity landscape.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the BigContact Contact Page plugin is kept up-to-date with the latest security patches and fixes to prevent any exploitation of known vulnerabilities. Regularly check for updates and apply them promptly to enhance the security of your website.