CVE-2023-2303 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability found in the Contact Form Builder by vcita plugin for WordPress, with versions up to and including 2.6.4. The vulnerability is classified as Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) and allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate the plugin's settings and inject malicious JavaScript by exploiting a lack of nonce validation in the vcita-callback.php file.

Understanding CVE-2023-2303

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-2303, shedding light on the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impacts.

What is CVE-2023-2303?

CVE-2023-2303 is a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability present in the Contact Form Builder by vcita plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions up to and including 2.6.4. The flaw arises from the absence of nonce validation in the vcita-callback.php file, enabling unauthorized individuals to modify plugin settings and introduce harmful JavaScript through forged requests.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2303

This vulnerability could have severe consequences as it allows attackers to execute unauthorized actions on the affected WordPress sites, posing a threat to the integrity and security of the websites utilizing the vulnerable plugin.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2303

In this section, we explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-2303, including a description of the vulnerability, the systems and versions impacted, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Contact Form Builder by vcita plugin for WordPress allows unauthenticated attackers to conduct Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks due to missing nonce validation in the vcita-callback.php file. By manipulating this flaw, attackers can manipulate plugin settings and inject malicious scripts into the affected websites.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects versions of the Contact Form Builder by vcita plugin for WordPress up to and including 2.6.4. Sites utilizing these vulnerable versions are at risk of exploitation by malicious entities seeking to compromise their security.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-2303 involves tricking a website administrator into performing a specific action, such as clicking on a crafted link. This action triggers a forged request that enables attackers to modify plugin settings and insert malicious JavaScript into the site, leveraging the lack of nonce validation in the vulnerable plugin.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address the CVE-2023-2303 vulnerability and enhance the security posture of WordPress sites using the Contact Form Builder by vcita plugin, it is crucial to implement immediate remediation steps, adopt long-term security practices, and prioritize patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Contact Form Builder by vcita plugin to a secure version that addresses the CSRF vulnerability.
Regularly monitor plugin updates and security advisories to stay informed about potential vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strong authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to site functionalities.
Conduct security audits regularly to identify and mitigate potential security risks in plugins and themes.

Patching and Updates

Stay vigilant for security patches released by the plugin developers and apply them promptly to ensure that the Contact Form Builder by vcita plugin is protected against known vulnerabilities, such as CVE-2023-2303.