CVE-2023-2795 : What You Need to Know

A WordPress plugin vulnerability has been identified as CodeColorer version 0.10.1 and below, allowing for Admin+ Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Understanding CVE-2023-2795

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-2795 concerning the CodeColorer plugin vulnerability in WordPress.

What is CVE-2023-2795?

CVE-2023-2795, also known as CodeColorer < 0.10.1 – Admin+ Stored Cross-Site Scripting, is a security vulnerability within the CodeColorer WordPress plugin. The flaw enables high privilege users, such as admins, to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks, even when restricted by capabilities like unfiltered_html.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2795

The impact of CVE-2023-2795 is significant as it allows malicious actors with admin-level access to inject and execute harmful scripts on vulnerable websites. This could result in unauthorized actions, data theft, or site defacement, posing a serious security risk to affected WordPress installations.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2795

This section provides technical insights into the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The CodeColorer plugin version 0.10.1 and earlier fails to properly sanitize and escape certain settings, enabling attackers to insert malicious scripts through Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks, bypassing security restrictions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Unknown
Product: CodeColorer
Affected Versions: Less than 0.10.1

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the lack of sanitization in the plugin's settings, authenticated high privilege users, like admins, can embed malicious scripts into the plugin, leading to the execution of unauthorized code on vulnerable WordPress sites.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting WordPress websites from CVE-2023-2795 involves taking immediate steps, implementing long-term security practices, and ensuring the proper application of patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the CodeColorer plugin to version 0.10.1 or above to patch the vulnerability.
Consider restricting admin privileges and monitoring user activities to prevent unauthorized script injections.
Employ web application firewalls and security plugins to detect and block XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all WordPress plugins and themes to mitigate potential security risks.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate users with admin privileges on best practices for secure configuration and content management.

Patching and Updates

WordPress site administrators should prioritize updating the CodeColorer plugin to version 0.10.1 or higher to eliminate the vulnerability and enhance the security posture of their websites. Regularly checking for plugin updates and promptly applying patches is crucial in safeguarding against potential threats.