CVE-2023-25028 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-25028 was published on May 24, 2023, by Patchstack. It involves a vulnerability in the WordPress CC Custom Taxonomy Plugin version 1.0.1, which is susceptible to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks targeting authenticated (admin+) users.

Understanding CVE-2023-25028

This section will delve into the details of the CVE-2023-25028 vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-25028?

The CVE-2023-25028 vulnerability pertains to an Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) flaw in the chuyencode CC Custom Taxonomy plugin versions equal to or less than 1.0.1. This vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into specific web pages which are executed in the browsers of users who access the affected page.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25028

The impact of CVE-2023-25028 is significant, as it opens up the potential for attackers to execute arbitrary scripts within the context of the targeted WordPress site, leading to unauthorized actions, data theft, or defacement.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-25028

In this section, we will cover the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the CC Custom Taxonomy plugin exposes an Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) risk for admin+ users, allowing malicious actors to inject and execute scripts within the WordPress site.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system is the CC Custom Taxonomy plugin developed by chuyencode, with versions up to and including 1.0.1 identified as vulnerable to this exploit.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the vulnerability in the CC Custom Taxonomy plugin, threat actors can execute arbitrary scripts through the stored XSS flaw, potentially compromising the integrity and security of the WordPress site.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-25028, prompt action and preventive measures are essential.

Immediate Steps to Take

Admins should disable the CC Custom Taxonomy plugin version 1.0.1 and below to prevent exploitation of the stored XSS vulnerability. It's crucial to update to a patched version as soon as it becomes available.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict input validation and output encoding practices to mitigate XSS vulnerabilities across all plugins and themes used in WordPress sites. Regular security audits and monitoring are also recommended to detect and address emerging threats.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by plugin vendors like chuyencode. Timely installation of patches can help safeguard WordPress sites against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-25028.