CVE-2023-23885 : What You Need to Know

This CVE, assigned on April 7, 2023, pertains to a vulnerability in the Fullworks Quick Contact Form plugin for WordPress versions less than or equal to 8.0.3.1. The vulnerability allows for stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks, potentially exposing users to malicious scripts.

Understanding CVE-2023-23885

This section delves into the specifics of the CVE-2023-23885 vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-23885?

The CVE-2023-23885 vulnerability involves a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) flaw in the Fullworks Quick Contact Form plugin for WordPress versions up to 8.0.3.1. This vulnerability could allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into the targeted website, leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23885

The impact of this vulnerability is classified as a CAPEC-592 Stored XSS, with a CVSS base score of 6.5 (Medium severity). This vulnerability has a low attack complexity and requires user interaction, making it a potential threat to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23885

The technical details encompass the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Fullworks Quick Contact Form plugin allows for stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks, enabling threat actors to inject malicious scripts into the plugin on WordPress sites running versions up to 8.0.3.1.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems running the Fullworks Quick Contact Form plugin with versions less than or equal to 8.0.3.1 are vulnerable to this stored XSS exploit.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit this vulnerability by inserting malicious scripts into the Quick Contact Form plugin, leveraging the XSS flaw to execute unauthorized actions on the affected WordPress websites.

Mitigation and Prevention

In light of CVE-2023-23885, implementing immediate steps, establishing long-term security practices, and applying necessary patches and updates are crucial for safeguarding systems from potential attacks.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators are advised to update the Fullworks Quick Contact Form plugin to version 8.0.4 or higher to mitigate the risk of exploitation and potential XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintaining regular plugin updates, conducting security audits, and educating users about safe browsing habits are essential for enhancing the overall security posture of WordPress websites.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring for security patches, promptly applying updates provided by vendors, and staying informed about the latest security advisories are fundamental practices to mitigate vulnerabilities and secure WordPress installations.