CVE-2023-23818 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability in the "WP Register Profile With Shortcode" plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions equal to or lower than 3.5.7. The vulnerability is categorized as an Authenticated (admin+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability by CAPEC-592.

Understanding CVE-2023-23818

This section will discuss the nature of the CVE-2023-23818 vulnerability and its impact, along with technical details and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-23818?

CVE-2023-23818 is an Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the Aviplugins.Com WP Register Profile With Shortcode plugin version 3.5.7 and below. This vulnerability could allow an attacker with admin-level access to execute malicious scripts in a user's browser, potentially leading to account takeover or information theft.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23818

The impact of this vulnerability is categorized as Medium with a CVSS base score of 5.9. It requires high privileges to exploit and user interaction is required, but the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system are all at risk of being compromised.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23818

In this section, we will delve into the vulnerability description, the affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows an authenticated attacker with admin-level privileges to store malicious scripts on the affected WordPress site through the WP Register Profile With Shortcode plugin, enabling them to execute unauthorized actions on the user side.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Aviplugins.Com WP Register Profile With Shortcode plugin versions up to and including 3.5.7 are confirmed to be impacted by this XSS vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker needs to have admin-level access to the WordPress site with the vulnerable plugin installed. By leveraging the XSS flaw, the attacker can inject and execute malicious scripts on the site.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section focuses on immediate steps to take to safeguard systems, recommended long-term security practices, and the importance of patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or remove the vulnerable plugin if it is not essential for the site's functionality.
Regularly monitor for any suspicious activity on the WordPress site.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict admin access.
Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments on the WordPress site.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the Aviplugins.Com WP Register Profile With Shortcode plugin is updated to a secure version that addresses the XSS vulnerability. Stay informed about security patches released by plugin developers and promptly apply them to mitigate risks.