CVE-2023-23864 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2023-23864 was assigned and published by Patchstack on January 19, 2023. The vulnerability affects the Very Simple Google Maps plugin version <= 2.8.4 for WordPress platforms.

Understanding CVE-2023-23864

This CVE highlights a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Very Simple Google Maps plugin developed by Michael Aronoff, impacting versions equal to or less than 2.8.4.

What is CVE-2023-23864?

The CVE-2023-23864 involves an Authorization (contributor+) Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) weakness in the Very Simple Google Maps plugin. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability in versions up to 2.8.4 to execute malicious scripts on the affected website.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23864

This vulnerability is classified under CAPEC-592 Stored XSS, with a CVSSv3 Base Score of 6.5, marking it as a medium severity issue. It necessitates low privileges to exploit, requires user interaction, and has the potential to modify the scope of an impacted system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23864

The following technical information sheds light on the specifics of this vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The CVE-2023-23864 encompasses an improper neutralization of input vulnerability during web page generation, specifically related to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) in the Very Simple Google Maps plugin.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts all versions of the Very Simple Google Maps plugin up to and including 2.8.4 for WordPress platforms.

Exploitation Mechanism

Bad actors with contributor-level access or higher can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary scripts, posing a risk of unauthorized data exposure or website defacement.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from CVE-2023-23864, individuals and organizations can take the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the Very Simple Google Maps plugin to version 2.9 or newer to mitigate the XSS vulnerability.
Website administrators should monitor for any suspicious activity or signs of unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Employing secure coding practices and input validation mechanisms can help prevent XSS vulnerabilities in web applications.
Regular security audits and penetration testing can identify and address potential security gaps proactively.

Patching and Updates

Staying informed about security patches and promptly applying updates to plugins, themes, and core WordPress files can fortify the overall security posture and shield against known vulnerabilities.