CVE-2023-24393 : Security Advisory and Response

An in-depth look at CVE-2023-24393 highlighting its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-24393

Uncovering the details of the vulnerability found in the WordPress Animated Number Counters Plugin version 1.6, exposing it to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

What is CVE-2023-24393?

CVE-2023-24393 discloses an authorization (editor+) stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability within the Sk. Abul Hasan Animated Number Counters plugin for WordPress, impacting versions up to 1.6. This vulnerability allows threat actors to inject malicious scripts into the plugin, potentially leading to unauthorized access or data theft.

The Impact of CVE-2023-24393

The impact of CVE-2023-24393 is categorized under CAPEC-592 Stored XSS, signifying the critical nature of the stored cross-site scripting vulnerability present in the affected plugin.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-24393

Diving into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation method.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability revolves around an authorization-required stored cross-site scripting (XSS) flaw in the Sk. Abul Hasan Animated Number Counters plugin, specifically affecting versions equal to or below 1.6. This allows attackers with editor+ permissions to inject malicious scripts, potentially compromising the integrity and security of the affected WordPress sites.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Sk. Abul Hasan Animated Number Counters plugin up to version 1.6 is susceptible to this XSS vulnerability. Websites utilizing this plugin within the mentioned version range are at risk of exploitation if not promptly addressed.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability leverages an editor+ permission level to store malicious scripts within the plugin, exploiting the XSS vulnerability for malevolent purposes. Attackers can potentially execute scripts within the context of vulnerable sites, leading to unauthorized actions or data exposure.

Mitigation and Prevention

Examining the steps to mitigate the impact of CVE-2023-24393 and prevent future occurrences through security best practices and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Site administrators are advised to immediately update the Sk. Abul Hasan Animated Number Counters plugin to a secure version beyond 1.6 to mitigate the XSS vulnerability. Regular security scans and monitoring should be implemented to detect and prevent further exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures like strict input validation, proper user access controls, and regular security audits can enhance the overall security posture of WordPress sites, reducing the risk of similar vulnerabilities surfacing in the future.

Patching and Updates

Staying updated with the latest security patches and feature upgrades is crucial for maintaining a secure WordPress environment. Regularly check for plugin updates from trusted sources and promptly apply patches to address known security vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-24393.