CVE-2023-27618 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE, assigned by Patchstack, was published on June 22, 2023, and affects the Store Locator WordPress plugin by AGILELOGIX with versions up to 1.4.9. The vulnerability involves Auth. (editor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and has a base score of 5.9, categorizing it as a MEDIUM severity issue.

Understanding CVE-2023-27618

This section provides insights into the nature of CVE-2023-27618, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-27618?

CVE-2023-27618 is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the AGILELOGIX Store Locator WordPress plugin versions 1.4.9 and below. This vulnerability allows unauthorized script injection into web pages viewed by other users, potentially leading to various security risks.

The Impact of CVE-2023-27618

The impact of CVE-2023-27618 is reflected in its base score of 5.9, indicating a MEDIUM severity level. Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in unauthorized access, data manipulation, or other malicious activities on affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-27618

Here we delve into the specific technical aspects of the vulnerability, focusing on the description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves Auth. (editor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) in the AGILELOGIX Store Locator WordPress plugin versions 1.4.9 and below. It allows malicious actors to inject scripts that can be executed within the context of the site, posing a risk of data theft or manipulation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Store Locator WordPress plugin by AGILELOGIX versions up to 1.4.9 are vulnerable to this Stored XSS issue. Users of these versions should take immediate action to address the security risk posed by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability requires a High level of privileges (PR:H) and user interaction (UI:R). Attackers with these prerequisites can potentially exploit the vulnerability to execute malicious scripts on vulnerable systems, leading to various security compromises.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial for users to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-27618 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the vulnerability, users should update their AGILELOGIX Store Locator WordPress plugin to version 1.4.10 or higher. This update contains fixes that address the vulnerability and enhance the security of the plugin.

Long-Term Security Practices

Practicing good security hygiene, such as regularly updating plugins and monitoring for vulnerabilities, can help prevent future incidents of XSS vulnerabilities. Implementing security best practices can enhance the overall resilience of WordPress websites against potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Staying vigilant about security updates released by plugin developers is essential. Users should promptly apply patches and updates to their WordPress plugins to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed and the overall security posture is strengthened.