CVE-2023-2498 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-2498 relates to a vulnerability found in the Go Pricing - WordPress Responsive Pricing Tables plugin for WordPress. It allows for Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks by leveraging shortcodes, affecting versions up to and including 3.3.19. Contributor-level attackers can exploit this flaw to inject malicious web scripts that execute when users access the compromised pages.

Understanding CVE-2023-2498

The vulnerability in the Go Pricing plugin can have serious implications for websites utilizing this plugin, potentially enabling attackers to execute harmful scripts on the user's browser.

What is CVE-2023-2498?

CVE-2023-2498 is a vulnerability in the Go Pricing - WordPress Responsive Pricing Tables plugin in WordPress, allowing for Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks due to inadequate input sanitization and output escaping.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2498

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as malicious actors can inject and execute arbitrary web scripts on compromised pages, posing a threat to website integrity and user security.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2498

Understanding the technical aspects of the vulnerability is crucial for effective mitigation and prevention strategies.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping in the Go Pricing plugin, facilitating Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks through shortcodes.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is the Go Pricing - WordPress Responsive Pricing Tables plugin with versions up to and including 3.3.19. Websites utilizing these versions are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with contributor-level access can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious web scripts via shortcodes, which then execute when unsuspecting users visit the compromised pages.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking immediate steps to address CVE-2023-2498 and implementing long-term security practices is essential to protect websites from potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Go Pricing plugin to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor and audit website content to detect any injected malicious scripts.
Educate users on safe browsing practices to minimize the risk of falling victim to scripting attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement a robust security policy that includes input validation and output encoding practices.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Keep all software and plugins up to date to prevent exposure to known security flaws.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the Go Pricing - WordPress Responsive Pricing Tables plugin is promptly updated to the latest version that contains the necessary security fixes to mitigate the vulnerability. Regularly check for vendor updates and apply patches as soon as they are available.