CVE-2023-23982 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE-2023-23982 was published on April 6, 2023, by Patchstack. It involves a vulnerability in the WordPress WPFrom Email Plugin versions <= 1.8.8 that leaves it exposed to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.

Understanding CVE-2023-23982

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2023-23982 vulnerability in the WordPress WPFrom Email Plugin.

What is CVE-2023-23982?

The CVE-2023-23982 vulnerability is an Authenticated (admin+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the WPGear.Pro WPFrom Email plugin version <= 1.8.8. It allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23982

The impact of CVE-2023-23982 is classified as CAPEC-592 Stored XSS. This vulnerability can potentially lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and website defacement by exploiting the XSS vulnerability in the affected plugin.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23982

In this section, we will discuss the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-23982 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically Cross-Site Scripting (CWE-79). Attackers with admin privileges can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary scripts on the affected website.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects the WPGear.Pro WPFrom Email plugin versions less than or equal to 1.8.8.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker needs admin-level privileges on the WordPress website that has the WPFrom Email plugin version <= 1.8.8 installed. By injecting malicious scripts, the attacker can manipulate the website’s content and potentially compromise user data.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-23982 and prevent potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the WPFrom Email plugin to version 1.8.9 or higher to address the XSS vulnerability.
Regularly monitor and audit plugins and themes to detect and address security vulnerabilities promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Educate website administrators and users about common security threats like XSS and best practices to prevent XSS attacks.
Implement a comprehensive security policy that includes regular security audits, timely software updates, and user access control measures.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by plugin developers. Promptly apply patches to ensure that your WordPress website is protected against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-23982.