CVE-2023-25972 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE-2023-25972 pertains to a vulnerability in the IKSWEB WordPress Старт plugin version 3.7, leading to a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) exploit. The vulnerability was discovered by Karthikeyan Balasubramanian from Patchstack Alliance and falls under the CWE-79 category.

Understanding CVE-2023-25972

This vulnerability affects the IKSWEB WordPress Старт plugin up to version 3.7, potentially allowing unauthorized individuals to execute malicious scripts on vulnerable websites.

What is CVE-2023-25972?

The CVE-2023-25972 vulnerability involves an authentication (admin+) stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) exploit in the IKSWEB WordPress Старт plugin version 3.7 and below. This could enable attackers to inject harmful scripts into web pages viewed by other users, leading to various security risks.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25972

The impact of this vulnerability is categorized under CAPEC-592 Stored XSS, with a CVSSv3.1 base score of 5.9 (Medium severity). The attack complexity is low, requiring high privileges, and user interaction is needed for successful exploitation. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are all rated as low.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-25972

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, versions, and how it can be exploited.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is due to the improper neutralization of input during web page generation in the IKSWEB WordPress Старт plugin version 3.7 and prior, allowing malicious actors to conduct stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

IKSWEB WordPress Старт plugin versions up to and including 3.7 are susceptible to this Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with admin-level access can exploit this vulnerability to inject and execute malicious scripts on web pages, potentially compromising the security and integrity of the affected websites.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your systems from CVE-2023-25972, it is crucial to implement immediate steps and establish long-term security practices to mitigate risks effectively.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the IKSWEB WordPress Старт plugin to a patched version that addresses the XSS vulnerability.
Monitor web traffic and user inputs for any suspicious activities that could indicate malicious XSS attempts.
Educate website administrators and users about the dangers of XSS attacks and best practices for secure web usage.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly conduct security assessments and audits of plugins and extensions used on websites to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Implement a web application firewall (WAF) to help detect and prevent XSS attacks.
Stay informed about security updates and patches released by plugin developers and promptly apply them to safeguard against known vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all software components, including the IKSWEB WordPress Старт plugin, are kept up to date with the latest security patches and fixes to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. Regularly check for updates from the plugin vendor and apply them promptly to enhance the security posture of your website.