CVE-2023-22698 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-22698 was published on April 23, 2023, by Patchstack. It addresses a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the WordPress Theme Blvd Responsive Google Maps Plugin version 1.0.2 and below.

Understanding CVE-2023-22698

This vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation in the affected plugin.

What is CVE-2023-22698?

CVE-2023-22698 is a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the Theme Blvd Responsive Google Maps plugin version 1.0.2 and below, which could allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.

The Impact of CVE-2023-22698

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as medium severity based on the CVSS v3.1 score of 6.5. It could lead to potential attacks compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-22698

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, leading to a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) risk for sites using the affected Theme Blvd Responsive Google Maps plugin.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Theme Blvd Responsive Google Maps plugin versions 1.0.2 and below.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with contributor roles or higher privileges could exploit this vulnerability to inject and execute malicious scripts in the context of the affected web application.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect your systems from potential exploitation of CVE-2023-22698, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Theme Blvd Responsive Google Maps plugin to a patched version that addresses the XSS vulnerability.
Monitor for any unauthorized script injections or unusual behavior on your web pages.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all plugins and themes to their latest versions to fix known security issues.
Educate website administrators and users about the risks of XSS attacks and best practices for prevention.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that you regularly update the Theme Blvd Responsive Google Maps plugin to the latest version provided by the vendor to eliminate the XSS vulnerability and enhance overall system security.