CVE-2023-23876 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-23876 was assigned by Patchstack and published on May 3, 2023. It is related to a vulnerability in the wpDataTables plugin for WordPress versions <= 2.1.49.

Understanding CVE-2023-23876

This CVE involves a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the TMS-Plugins wpDataTables plugin version 2.1.49 and below, affecting the security of WordPress websites utilizing this plugin.

What is CVE-2023-23876?

The CVE-2023-23876 pertains to an Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in TMS-Plugins wpDataTables plugin version 2.1.49 and earlier. This vulnerability could allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23876

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as medium severity, with a CVSS base score of 6.5. It could lead to stored XSS attacks, potentially compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23876

This section provides more insights into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically related to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), as identified by CWE-79.

Affected Systems and Versions

The TMS-Plugins wpDataTables plugin version 2.1.49 and prior are confirmed to be affected by this CVE.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with contributor-level permissions can exploit this vulnerability to store and execute malicious scripts within the plugin, potentially impacting site visitors.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the impact of CVE-2023-23876 and prevent further exploitation of the vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update the TMS-Plugins wpDataTables plugin to version 2.1.50 or higher to address the XSS vulnerability and enhance the security posture of their WordPress websites.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security audits, secure coding practices, and user input validation can help prevent similar XSS vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches for plugins and regularly apply them to ensure the mitigation of known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-23876.