CVE-2023-2802 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability identified as "Ultimate Addons for Contact Form 7 < 3.1.29 - Admin+ Stored XSS" affecting the Ultimate Addons for Contact Form 7 WordPress plugin.

Understanding CVE-2023-2802

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-2802, highlighting what it entails and its impact.

What is CVE-2023-2802?

CVE-2023-2802 revolves around a vulnerability present in the Ultimate Addons for Contact Form 7 WordPress plugin. Specifically, versions prior to 3.1.29 are susceptible to a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue. This vulnerability arises due to inadequate sanitization and escaping of certain settings within the plugin, granting high privilege users like admins the ability to execute XSS attacks, even if restricted by capabilities like unfiltered_html.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2802

The impact of CVE-2023-2802 is significant as it enables malicious users to inject and execute arbitrary scripts within the context of the affected plugin. This could lead to various security risks, including unauthorized access, data theft, and potential compromise of the WordPress site's integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2802

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-2802 to provide a comprehensive understanding of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from the lack of proper sanitization and escaping mechanisms in the affected plugin, allowing attackers with admin privileges to launch stored XSS attacks, bypassing security restrictions.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impacted system is the Ultimate Addons for Contact Form 7 WordPress plugin, specifically versions prior to 3.1.29. Users utilizing versions earlier than the mentioned one are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-2802 involves leveraging the inadequate sanitization of settings in the plugin to inject malicious scripts, which, when executed, can carry out unauthorized actions within the affected site.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2023-2802 involves taking immediate action and implementing long-term security practices to safeguard WordPress installations.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should promptly update the Ultimate Addons for Contact Form 7 plugin to version 3.1.29 or above to eliminate the vulnerability.
Restrict admin privileges and access to mitigate the impact of potential XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and maintain all installed plugins to ensure the latest security patches are in place.
Implement content security policies (CSP) to mitigate the risks posed by XSS vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

WordPress site administrators are advised to regularly monitor for security updates and apply patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-2802. Additionally, staying informed about security best practices and actively engaging in vulnerability management can enhance the overall security posture of the WordPress environment.