CVE-2023-23681 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record was published on March 30, 2023, by Patchstack, identifying a vulnerability in the "Image Hover Effects For WPBakery Page Builder" WordPress plugin.

Understanding CVE-2023-23681

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-23681, highlighting the vulnerability and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-23681?

The CVE-2023-23681 vulnerability refers to an "Auth. (contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)" security issue found in the "Image Hover Effects For WPBakery Page Builder" plugin, affecting versions <= 4.0. This vulnerability can lead to malicious script execution within the context of the user's browser.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23681

The impact of this vulnerability is categorized under CAPEC-592 as "Stored XSS." It possesses a CVSSv3.1 base score of 6.5, indicating a medium severity level. The attack complexity is low, but user interaction is required for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23681

This section provides more technical insights into CVE-2023-23681, focusing on the vulnerability description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, leading to cross-site scripting (XSS) issues within the affected plugin.

Affected Systems and Versions

The "Image Hover Effects For WPBakery Page Builder" WordPress plugin versions less than or equal to 4.0 are susceptible to this XSS vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with contributor-level access or higher can exploit this vulnerability by injecting and storing malicious scripts, which may get executed when a user interacts with the affected page.

Mitigation and Prevention

In response to CVE-2023-23681, it is crucial to take immediate action to mitigate the risks and prevent potential security breaches.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the plugin to version 5.0 or higher to eliminate the vulnerability and enhance security measures.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular security audits, and educating users on safe browsing habits can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor for security updates and patches released by the plugin developer to address known vulnerabilities promptly and maintain a secure environment.