CVE-2023-2735 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-2735 article provides detailed insights into a vulnerability found in the Groundhogg plugin for WordPress, potentially allowing authenticated attackers with contributor-level and above permissions to execute stored cross-site scripting attacks.

Understanding CVE-2023-2735

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-2735, outlining its impact, technical details, and measures for mitigation and prevention.

What is CVE-2023-2735?

CVE-2023-2735 pertains to the Groundhogg plugin for WordPress, specifically versions up to and including 2.7.9.8. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping in the 'gh_form' shortcode, enabling attackers to inject malicious web scripts into pages accessed by users.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2735

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level and higher permissions to carry out stored cross-site scripting attacks. By exploiting this flaw, attackers can inject harmful scripts that execute when users visit compromised pages, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2735

This section covers the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Groundhogg plugin for WordPress arises from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping in the 'gh_form' shortcode, facilitating stored cross-site scripting attacks by authenticated attackers with specific permissions.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system is the Groundhogg plugin for WordPress, with versions up to and including 2.7.9.8 being vulnerable to the stored cross-site scripting issue. Users utilizing these versions are at risk of exploitation by malicious actors.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-2735 involves leveraging the inadequately sanitized input in the 'gh_form' shortcode within the Groundhogg plugin. By injecting malicious web scripts, attackers can manipulate user interactions on compromised pages, potentially compromising sensitive data or executing unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines immediate steps to take, long-term security practices, and the importance of patching and updates to address CVE-2023-2735 effectively.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators and users are advised to update the Groundhogg plugin for WordPress to versions beyond 2.7.9.8 and disable legacy contact forms to mitigate the risk of stored cross-site scripting attacks. Additionally, validating and sanitizing user inputs can help prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures, such as regular security audits, staying informed about plugin vulnerabilities, and providing security training to users can enhance the overall security posture of WordPress websites.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating plugins, themes, and the WordPress core to the latest versions is crucial for safeguarding against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-2735. Promptly applying patches and staying vigilant about security advisories can help prevent exploitation and ensure a secure digital environment.