CVE-2023-27427 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE-2023-27427 pertains to a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the CRM Memberships plugin version 1.6 or lower for WordPress.

Understanding CVE-2023-27427

This vulnerability was discovered and reported by Pavitra Tiwari from Patchstack Alliance. It was published on June 23, 2023, with a CVSS base score of 5.9, categorizing it as a medium severity issue.

What is CVE-2023-27427?

The CVE-2023-27427 refers to an Authentication (admin+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability present in the NTZApps CRM Memberships plugin versions equal to or below 1.6. This vulnerability allows an attacker with administrator-level privileges to inject malicious code into the plugin, which could be executed when other users, especially administrators, access the affected pages.

The Impact of CVE-2023-27427

This vulnerability has a base severity level of MEDIUM. It can lead to a CAPEC-592 Stored XSS attack, potentially compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected websites or systems. With a Privileges Required level of HIGH, it signifies that only users with elevated privileges can exploit this flaw.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-27427

The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting'). It has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 5.9, indicating a medium severity level.

Vulnerability Description

The issue involves an Authentication (admin+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the NTZApps CRM Memberships plugin version 1.6 or lower, allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts on vulnerable websites.

Affected Systems and Versions

NTZApps CRM Memberships plugin version 1.6 and below are impacted by this vulnerability. Websites or systems that have this specific plugin version installed are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by authenticated attackers with administrator-level privileges. By injecting specially crafted scripts into the plugin, they can execute unauthorized actions on the affected website or system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate and prevent the risks associated with CVE-2023-27427, immediate actions should be taken to secure the affected systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the NTZApps CRM Memberships plugin to a version that addresses the XSS vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict access to vulnerable plugin functionalities to authorized users only.
Implement web application firewalls and security mechanisms to detect and block XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and update plugins and software to mitigate potential security vulnerabilities.
Educate administrators and users on safe coding practices and the importance of input validation to prevent XSS attacks.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial to apply patches or updates provided by the vendor promptly. Keeping software up-to-date ensures that known vulnerabilities are addressed, reducing the risk of exploitation.

By following these security practices and staying vigilant, organizations can enhance their overall security posture and protect against XSS vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-27427.