CVE-2023-23723 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-23723 was published on May 2, 2023, with a CVSS base score of 5.9, indicating a medium severity vulnerability. It involves an authorization (admin+) stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Winwar Media WP Email Capture plugin versions <= 3.9.3.

Understanding CVE-2023-23723

This section delves into the details, impact, and mitigation strategies associated with CVE-2023-23723.

What is CVE-2023-23723?

The CVE-2023-23723 vulnerability encompasses an authorization (admin+) stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue in the Winwar Media WP Email Capture plugin versions equal to or less than 3.9.3. This vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into webpages viewed by other users.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23723

The impact of this vulnerability is classified as a CAPEC-592 Stored XSS attack. It could potentially lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and the execution of malicious actions on the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23723

Understanding the specific technical details of the vulnerability can aid in better protection and mitigation strategies.

Vulnerability Description

This vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, also known as 'Cross-site Scripting' (CWE-79). Attackers with admin+ privileges can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the user's browser.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Winwar Media WP Email Capture plugin versions up to and including 3.9.3 are susceptible to this authorization-based stored XSS vulnerability, impacting systems using these specific versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability requires high privileges (admin+) for exploitation and user interaction is necessary to trigger the stored XSS attack. The attack complexity is low as the attack vector is network-based.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking immediate action to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-23723 is crucial for ensuring the security of your systems and data.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the Winwar Media WP Email Capture plugin to version 3.10 or higher. This update includes patches that remediate the authorization-based stored XSS vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

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

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring for security updates and promptly applying patches to all software components, especially plugins and extensions, is essential for safeguarding against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-23723.