CVE-2023-23866 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-23866 pertains to a vulnerability found in the Interactive Geo Maps plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions equal to or lower than 1.5.8. The vulnerability involves Auth. (contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) making the impacted systems susceptible to potential attacks.

Understanding CVE-2023-23866

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-23866, shedding light on the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-23866?

The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-23866 is categorized as a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) flaw, labeled under CAPEC-592 Stored XSS. It resides in the Interactive Geo Maps plugin for WordPress versions 1.5.8 and below, allowing unauthorized users to execute malicious scripts on the target system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23866

With a CVSS V3.1 base score of 6.5, this vulnerability poses a medium severity risk to affected systems. The attack complexity is low, requiring low privileges and user interaction, but can lead to changes in scope, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23866

This section provides a deeper insight into the vulnerability, its affected systems, and the mechanism through which exploitation can occur.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves Auth. (contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) in the Interactive Geo Maps plugin versions 1.5.8 and earlier. This allows threat actors to inject and execute malicious scripts within the application context, potentially compromising the security of the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impacted systems include those running the Interactive Geo Maps plugin for WordPress with versions up to 1.5.8. Systems not updated to version 1.5.9 or higher are vulnerable to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability requires an authenticated contributor level or higher user to store and execute malicious scripts via the plugin, enabling unauthorized access to sensitive information and potential system compromise.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from the risks associated with CVE-2023-23866, immediate actions and long-term security measures must be implemented.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the Interactive Geo Maps plugin to version 1.5.9 or a higher release to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation. Additionally, monitoring for any unauthorized access or suspicious activities is recommended.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long run, organizations should prioritize regular security audits, proper input validation, and user access controls to prevent and detect security vulnerabilities effectively. Educating users on safe practices, such as avoiding untrusted inputs, can also enhance overall system security.

Patching and Updates

Maintaining up-to-date software versions, including plugins and extensions, is crucial in addressing known vulnerabilities and reducing the risk of exploitation. Continuous monitoring of security advisories and applying patches promptly can help fortify system defenses against emerging threats.