CVE-2023-23995 : What You Need to Know

This is a detailed overview of CVE-2023-23995 focusing on understanding the vulnerability it presents in the WordPress TinyMCE Custom Styles Plugin <= 1.1.2.

Understanding CVE-2023-23995

CVE-2023-23995 highlights a vulnerability in the TinyMCE Custom Styles plugin for WordPress versions less than or equal to 1.1.2. This particular issue is related to an authentication (admin+) stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-23995?

In CVE-2023-23995, the TinyMCE Custom Styles plugin for WordPress versions 1.1.2 and below is susceptible to a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attack. This vulnerability could allow an authenticated attacker with elevated privileges to inject malicious script code into the plugin, potentially compromising the security of the website.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23995

The impact of CVE-2023-23995 is classified as a CAPEC-592 Stored XSS. This type of vulnerability poses a medium severity risk, with a base score of 5.9 according to CVSS v3.1 metrics. It requires high privileges to exploit and user interaction is also necessary.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23995

In this section, we will delve into the vulnerability description, affected systems, versions, and the exploitation mechanism related to CVE-2023-23995.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the TinyMCE Custom Styles plugin version 1.1.2 and below allows an authenticated attacker with admin+ privileges to store malicious XSS payloads within the plugin, which could be executed in the context of a user's browser, leading to potential website compromise.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system is the TinyMCE Custom Styles plugin for WordPress, with versions less than or equal to 1.1.2. Users utilizing these versions are at risk of exploitation if proper mitigation steps are not taken promptly.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-23995, an attacker would need authenticated access with admin+ privileges to the WordPress site utilizing the vulnerable plugin. By injecting crafted XSS payloads into the TinyMCE Custom Styles plugin, the attacker can execute malicious scripts within the browser of users who interact with the compromised content.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-23995 is crucial to safeguard WordPress websites from potential XSS attacks and unauthorized access. Here are some steps to take:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the TinyMCE Custom Styles plugin to version 1.1.3 or higher.
Regularly monitor for security advisories and apply patches promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement least privilege access controls to restrict admin+ privileges.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Staying proactive with software updates and security patches is essential to prevent known vulnerabilities from being exploited. Regularly check for plugin updates and apply them promptly to ensure your WordPress website remains secure.